The congregation
emerged from the Presbyterian system prevalent in the
Commonwealth period. By 24th Aug 1662, under the Act of
Uniformity, the three Nottingham ministers Whitlock, Barrett
and Reynolds had been deprived of their livings and left town
within weeks. They returned openly in 1687 and the first
chapel was erected soon afterwards on High Pavement. By 1735 a
liberal direction had been established and in 1802 the
Unitarian standpoint was confirmed. In 1758 a new junior
minister was appointed as an assistant. This resulted in a
schism. The senior minister withdrew his supporters and opened
a chapel in nearby Halifax Place. It was 1775 before the two
congregations recombined.
The original chapel was considerably rebuilt in
1805 and a neo-gothic chapel, which is now the
"Pitcher and Piano" restaurant, was
erected in 1876 and the relocation to a former lace warehouse
in Plumptre Street came about in 1982. This building was
recently awarded Grade II listed
status.
Nottingham University holds
records of High Pavement Presbyterian
(Unitarian) Chapel, Nottingham, 1576-1982
Interesting
Facts
-
During the 18th
century the minister's vestry was often called the "Mayor's
parlour" since the mayor and many members of the town
council attended the chapel.
-
DH Lawrence is
reputed to have attended the chapel and Lord Byron certainly
did in his youth.
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