Introduction
The chapel and its setting is a unique memorial to all those 'forgotten dead' whose names were not recorded on official war memorials. It is the only site in the UK which marks the Macedonian campaign.
The landscape design falls into two areas: the south lawns and meadow frame the chapel and its adjoining almshouses, the rear gardens were cultivated as cottage/kitchen gardens by the occupants of the almshouses. A vista south from the chapel steps towards Watership Down is an important feature. The gate, well, and brick path provide a formal approach to the important chapel while the natural wild-flower meadow setting acts as a foil to the emotional intensity aroused by the images within the chapel. The setting is an important example of a late Arts & Crafts approach which has remained largely unaltered since in conception; it provides two contrasting garden areas - ornamental at the public south side, and utilitarian gardens to the rear. Following a recent Heritage Lottery Fund grant, the rear garden has been redesigned to provide a further space for quiet reflection within an updated productive garden space. All the recent work has been accomplished by volunteers.
Detailed description contributed by Hampshire Gardens Trust 17/12/2015
- Visitor Access, Directions & Contacts
Telephone
441635278394Access contact details
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/place-pages/290/pages/opening-times-calendar
Owners
The National Trust
Heelis, Kemble Drive, Swindon, SN2 2NA
- History
In 1924 Mr and Mrs J L Behrend decided to build a chapel on land in Burghclere which they had purchased in 1923 from Carnarvon estate. Their intention was to facilitate a space for their friend Stanley Spencer in which to display a series of huge canvases depicting aspects of the Macedonian campaign. The chapel, designed by Lionel Pearson LRIBA, was later dedicated to the memory of Mrs Behrend's brother who had died in 1919 from an illness contracted in Macedonia. The chapel and its setting is a unique memorial to all those 'forgotten dead' and whose names were not recorded on official war memorials. It is the only site in the UK which marks the Macedonian campaign. In 1947 the chapel and its garden was given to the National Trust. In 2014 a new 'memorial garden' designed by Daniel Lobb was opened behind the chapel.
Detailed history contributed by Hampshire Gardens Trust 17/12/2015
Period
Early 20th Century (1901-1932)
- Features & Designations
Features
- Chapel (featured building)
- Description: The chapel was designed by Lionel Pearson LRIBA.
- Earliest Date:
- Key Information
Type
Garden
Purpose
Commemorative
Principal Building
Religious Ritual And Funerary
Period
Early 20th Century (1901-1932)
Survival
Extant
Hectares
1
Open to the public
Yes
Civil Parish
Burghclere
- References
References
- Dr Sarah Rutherford {Sandham Memorial Chapel Conservation Statement for National Trust} (2013) Sandham Memorial Chapel Conservation Statement for National Trust
Contributors
Valerie Joynt
Hampshire Gardens Trust