Sandham Memorial Chapel

Let us take you on a journey to explore the chapel's paintings. The nineteen large canvases reflect Stanley Spencer's experiences in the First World War as a medical orderly at the Beaufort Hospital in Bristol, at Tweseldown Camp near Farnham and then in Salonika, Macedonia.

Find out more about the gardens at Sandham, which are made up of two distinct areas. The orchard and meadow at the front of the chapel date from the 1920's whereas the Garden of Reflection is a more recent addition at the back of the site.

Find out more about this exhibition and the project which explored the Salonika Campaign; an often-overlooked part of the First World War. Focussing on the front where both Stanley Spencer and Harry Sandham served, the exhibition features the responses of homeless veterans to the Salonika story and has an accompanying film about the campaign.

Follow this walk around the village of Burghclere to explore where Stanley Spencer lived, loved, and was inspired to create thought provoking art.

Join Bettany as she travels around some of the most splendid sites in England, guided by our experts, to investigate their deep-rooted connections to Europe and the wider world. In episode 7, Bettany discovers the story behind the mural paintings in the jewel-like chapel at Sandham – Stanley Spencer’s monument to the forgotten dead of the First World War.

To enhance your visit, you can now download a 9 minute podcast about the chapel and Stanley Spencer's paintings to your smartphone. Out of consideration for other visitors, please bring a pair of headphones with you and start the audio tour just before you enter the chapel.

Our shop is reopening. For the safety of staff and visitors we've introduced social distancing measures and changes to payment, which will be via card only. It is through your purchases that we are able to continue looking after Sandham Memorial Chapel for everyone, for ever.

Immerse yourself in a musical journey of our special places through Emmy award-winning instrumentalist and composer Michael Price’s new album.

Find out what we did

Undertaking important work to protect and conserve the building was a key element of providing for our future.

Providing information about our history through a new exhibition area and improving accessibility were both instrumental in improving your visit.

Our natural world and places of historic beauty are at serious risk. Give to help protect Sandham Memorial Chapel and together, we can help nature recover, bring people closer to it, and ensure our shared history continues to inspire us all. Thank you for your continued support.

Now more than ever, we all need access to nature, fresh air and open spaces. Become a member today and you can explore more than 500 places. What's more, your membership will go towards looking after nature, beauty and history for generations to come.

Based in Cookham, where Stanley was born and spent most of his life, the Stanley Spencer Gallery is dedicated to his life and work.

Cookham Common and much of the surrounding countryside is in the care of the National Trust. Find out more about the beautiful walks and things to explore around Stanley's beloved Cookham.

Bristol's Glenside Hospital Museum, located in the former chapel building, tells the story of the organisation and it's time as the Beaufort War Hospital where Stanley served as a medical orderly.