Sandham Memorial Chapel
World famous chapel containing Stanley Spencer's visionary paintings
Sandham Memorial Chapel
Overview
World famous chapel containing Stanley Spencer's visionary paintings
This modest red-brick building tucked away in a quiet corner of Hampshire houses an unexpected treasure; an epic series of large-scale murals, by the acclaimed war artist Sir Stanley Spencer.
Built to honour the 'forgotten dead' of the First World War, who were not remembered on any official memorials, the series was inspired by Spencer’s own experiences as a medical orderly at the Beaufort Hospital in Bristol and both orderly and soldier on the Salonika front. It is peppered with personal and unexpected details and uniquely shows the everyday activities rather than the horrors of war. Inspired by Giotto's Arena Chapel in Padua and made possible through the generous patronage of Mr & Mrs Behrend, Spencer referred to Sandham Memorial Chapel as his "Holy Box". The 19 oil paintings covering three walls of the chapel took six years to complete and are considered by many to be the artist’s finest achievement.
The chapel holds services throughout the year, the most important of these being the annual Remembrance Day event. There are also regular talks in the Chapel about its creation and the paintings themselves, as well as a lively programme of workshops and events.
There is an exhibtion area in one of the originial almshouses which are decorated in period colours and style. You'll find information panels, a short film, copy archival material, a handling kit, and panels contexualising the chapel.
Outside the front of the chapel you have views across to Watership Down which glows in the late evening sun, the originial orchard with old apple varieties and a beautiful wildflower meadow containing many important flora and fauna.
At the rear of the chapel the garden which was professionally designed, but inspired and created by volunteers, provides a place to reflect.
Additionally, you might like to follow a walk around the village "In Spencer's Footsteps" and take in some of the sights and places where he lived.
Important information for groups.
It is essential that groups pre-book their visit by calling 01635 278394. Group visits are only accommodated on closed days, normally Mondays and Tuesdays or outside public opening hours on other days.
- Telephone
- 01635278394
- sandham@nationaltrust.org.uk
Sandham Memorial Chapel
How to get here
- Address
- Harts Lane, Burghclere, near Newbury, Hampshire, RG20 9JT
- By cycle
- We're easily accessible by bike and conveniently situated on the picturesque Burghclere/Burbage/Whitchurch cycle route
- By bus
- There are some bus services to Sandham Memorial Chapel but they are quite irregular. For more information about bus services, please visit www.traveline.info
- By train
- Newbury Station is on the Penzance to Paddington line and is approximately four miles from the village of Burghclere.
- By road
- Sandham Memorial Chapel is located ½ mile east of A34 in the village of Burghclere.
Approaching from North (Oxford direction)
Take the A34 southbound towards Newbury. At Chievely Services roundabout, continue on A34 towards Winchester/Southampton/M3. Continue to Tot Hill exit then leave A34, at roundabout take the 2nd exit towards Burghclere. Turn left at T-junction and follow road into Burghclere. The chapel is on your left.
Approaching from East (Reading/ London direction)
Join the M4 motorway westbound towards South Wales/Newbury/Oxford. Leave the M4 at junction 13, then at Chievely Services roundabout take the 1st exit onto the A34 towards Newbury/ Southampton. Continue southbound on A34 to Tot Hill exit, take exit then at roundabout take the 2nd exit towards Burghclere. At the T-junction take the road left into Burghclere and continue through the first set of traffic chicanes. The chapel will be on your left.
Approaching from South (Southampton/Winchester direction)
Join A34 northbound and continue to Tot Hill exit. Leave A34 and take 3rd exit at roundabout, followed by 2nd exit towards Burghclere at second roundabout. At T-junction take road left, follow road into Burghclere. The chapel is on your left.
Approaching from West (Bristol direction)
Take M4 eastbound towards London, exiting at Junction 13 and taking the 3rd exit onto the A34 towards Winchester/Southampton. Continue until Tot Hill exit, then leave A34 and at roundabout take 2nd exit towards Burghclere. At T-junction turn left, and follow road into Burghclere. The chapel is on your left after first traffic chicane. - Parking: Parking in car park opposite the chapel.
Sandham Memorial Chapel
Prices
Admission free
What is Gift Aid?
Most of our places run the Gift Aid on Entry scheme at their admission points.
Under this scheme, if you're not a member you have the choice of two entry tickets:
- Gift Aid Admission
- Standard Admission
If the place runs Gift Aid on Entry, we'll offer you a clear choice between the Gift Aid Admission prices and the Standard Admission prices at the admission point. It's entirely up to you which ticket you choose.
Gift Aid Admission includes a 10 per cent or more voluntary donation. Gift Aid Admissions let us reclaim tax on the whole amount paid - an extra 25 per cent - potentially a very significant boost to our places' funds.
An extra £1 paid under the scheme can be worth over £3 to the National Trust as shown below:
| Gift Aid | Standard | |
|---|---|---|
| Amount paid by visitor | £11.00 | £10.00 |
| Tax refund from Government* | £2.75 | £0.00 |
| Total received by the National Trust | £13.75 | £10.00 |
*Gift Aid Admissions let us reclaim tax on the whole amount paid - an extra 25 per cent - potentially a very significant boost to our places' funds.
Sandham Memorial Chapel
Opening times
Friday 17 January
- Chapel Closed
Saturday 18 January
- Chapel Closed
Sunday 19 January
- Chapel Closed
Monday 20 January
- Chapel Closed
Tuesday 21 January
- Chapel Closed
Wednesday 22 January
- Chapel Closed
Thursday 23 January
- Chapel Closed
Sandham Memorial Chapel
Contact us
- Telephone
- 01635278394
- sandham@nationaltrust.org.uk
- Address
- Harts Lane, Burghclere, near Newbury, Hampshire, RG20 9JT