Brian wrote in the beginning of ‘John Middleton – Victorian, Provincial Architect’ – ‘A more detailed and comprehensive version of this book, fully referenced and annotated can be seen at the following Centres:
Cheltenham Reference Library; Gloucestershire Archives; Darlington Library, Centre for Local Studies; Durham County Record Office; Borthwick Institute of Historical Research, York; National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth; Carmarthenshire Archive Service, Carmarthen; Cardigan Record Office, Aberystwyth; Pembrokeshire Record Office, Haverford West.’
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Closure of Clearwell Cemetery Chapel.
Concerns for public safety at Clearwell cemetery chapel have led to it being fenced off and
access forbidden as the entrance door is in danger of collapse from the weight of the
damaged rose window above it, caused by a large tree growing next to the chapel door.
The tree was recently cut down in the hope that this will prevent further movement to the
west wall but it will take some time to know to what degree the wall has stabilised.
The Cemetery (Mortuary) Chapel was designed by the renowned Gothic Revival architect
John Middleton in 1867. Middleton was engaged by the Dowager Countess Caroline
Dunraven whose family owned the estate at Clearwell until the late 19th century. Caroline’s
ancestor bought the estate in 1642 and Thomas Wyndham built Clearwell Court 1727. The
Countess engaged Middleton on the remodelling of Clearwell Court, she also used his
services in the design for the building of St Peter’s Church 1866, a fine example of Gothic
Revival style. Middleton was responsible for designing the frontal of St Anne’s well,
repairing the 14th Century cross and designing the Cottage Hospital which is now
Dunraven House.
Clearwell has been referred to as ‘John Middleton Village’ as it has the largest collection of
his work in one place in the UK. This is a remarkable accolade for Clearwell and offers an
opportunity for the future enhancement of its architectural heritage in the form of a heritage
trail.
John Middleton was a major designer of railway buildings for the Stockton and Darlington
Railway Company before taking a mysterious career break in Italy and then coming to
work in Gloucestershire several years later.
The Parochial Church Council wishes to meet with those interested in finding a future for
the chapel which is open to a range of possible re-uses. ‘Our aim’, said the Interim Minster
the Rev Alan Wearmouth, ‘is to preserve this historical building for which our parish has no
use and which we cannot afford to repair and maintain. It would be a sad loss if it was to
fall into total disrepair’. The Parochial Church Council is anxious to ensure that local family
associations are respected , as for example, in caring for various plaques which are
contained within the building.
The Parochial Church Council would also like to hear from anyone with the requisite skills
and equipment to remove diseased trees and those growing too close to the chapel. They
would be glad for someone to take down the trees and remove the firewood.
A public meeting will be held at Clearwell, in the meantime anyone interested should
contact the Parish Co-ordinator Alison Stuttard on 01594 368849.
Mid-Wyedean Parish
6a St John’s Street
Coleford GL16 8AR
office.midwyedean@gmail.com