BRIDGWATER residents will have several chances to see inside one of the town's historic buildings this month. 

The Christ Church Unitarian Chapel, tucked away in Dampiet Street, is the oldest Nonconformist chapel in Bridgwater. 

The Grade II* listed building displays several unusual features including its box pews, nonparallel and non-rectangular walls, and its organ from 1853.

The chapel dates back to the English Civil War and the restoration of the monarchy in 1660.

Family members of Admiral Robert Blake were among its early congregations while Daniel Defoe – author of Robinson Crusoe – was once a visitor.

The chapel can be visited during Heritage Open Days, coffee mornings, or Sunday services. 

Martin Fieldhouse, the former chairman of Christ Church Unitarian Chapel, said: “The building is fascinating and displays many unusual features of the last 300 years. 

“Show it to your children, or grandchildren, as appropriate. If you are a teacher, why not organise a school visit to see the building?

“The current small congregation has a big job keeping this historic building in good repair to serve yet another generation.

“If every resident of Bridgwater were to give just £5 towards its repair fund, it would go a long way to helping this building survive.”

Upcoming events include a Heritage Open Day this Saturday (September 10) between 10am and 4pm. 

It will also be open for a morning service at 11am on Sunday, September 11, followed by a coffee morning on Friday, September 16 (10am to 12pm). 

For more information about the Christ Church Unitarian Chapel, visit www.ukunitarians.org.uk/bridgwater. 

You can also read more about the chapel and its Heritage Open Days by visiting www.heritageopendays.org.uk/visiting/event/christ-church-unitarian-chapel-bridgwater2.