THE OCTAGON CHAPEL

 In 1754 religious radicals were excited by the prospect of a new and classically inspired building. Thomas Ivory built a model, well adapted to a difficult marshy site, and by 1756 Norwich had, according to John Wesley, " the most elegant meeting house in Europe". The Octagon Chapel has a striking dome supported on 8 columns with embellished capitols.

The original pews were high, with doors, but these were changed by the Victorians who did a major building overhaul in 1889. They enlarged the pulpit and darkened the woodwork in accordance with their sense of what was fitting.

In the last fifteen years, the present Unitarian congregation has again undertaken a full overhaul of the building, with help from English Heritage for the structural work, which was again urgent. The front pews have been altered to suit the needs of musicians, and there is wheelchair access via a modern kitchen at the back. Some repairs have been done to the heating system which was installed in 1935, and is feeling its age, and the front porch and steps have been renovated this year, with help from friends.

The Octagon Concert Series is unique in as much that no musician receives any fee or expenses, and that proceeds are donated to various charities nominated by the performers.

The charge for each concert is modest. If you would like to contribute further to the nominated charity, a box for this purpose is located in the foyer.

Anyone interested in details of future concerts either as a subscriber or performer, please contact the Octagon Concert Series Organiser: Mrs. Mary Rae, 7 Pine Road, Thorpe St. Andrew, Norwich, NR7 9LE. Tel: 01603 435045 (Please enclose S.A.E.)

The Martineau Hall is a Registered Charity No. 232603

This page in maintained by k.tovey@uea.ac.uk