Little Maplestead Chapel House

[littlefacey]

Hello All!

I was wondering if anyone could point me in the direction of of a photograph of the Chapel House in Little Maplestead? I have tried Googling but just seem to get photographs of the church itself. Is the Chapel House attached to the church? or just on the same grounds? I tried to look on street view on Google Maps but wouldn't know where to start as i know nothing about Essex being a Devon lass myself! lol

Thanks x

[Jolee]

The only thing I can suggest is you contact the nearest library most likely Halstead the may be able to help you

[littlefacey]

Could anyone also help me on the census for the people who were living in the chapel house?
I can see that Joseph was a Minister but does his wife say 'Without Charge'? and what does that mean??

[Christine53]

There is no chapel or chapel house anywhere near Little Maplestead church , which is one of the few round churches still in use today. It stands on its own on the outskirts of the little village surrounded by fields. There was a Congregational Chapel in the village ,built about 1841 and extended in 1867 but this fell into disrepair . The former village school was converted into a chapel in 1939 and this closed in 1977. I haven't been able to find any pictures or further information.

The census entry also states that Rhoda Watkinson is ' deeply afflicted ' - perhaps the words ' without charge' are making clear that she is not dependant on the Parish.

[Christine53]

The Halstead & District Local History Society might be able to help:

http://www.halsteadhistory.org.uk/halsteadhistory.html

[essexpoet]

This Chapel was known as The Ebenezer Congregational Chapel. If you are interested in the history of Little Maplestead I can recommend reading "Little Maplestead - A Millennium History" by Patricia Fletcher ISBN 0-9537656-0-1 not sure if it is still in print but a library may be able to find it for you.

Mike