Built in 1841, the Chapel of the Holy Evangelists is Grade I listed and the most historically significant building on the Killerton estate. With its iconic rose window, it means so much to many. We want to ensure that this magnificent building can continue to be enjoyed by everyone, for ever.
In 1824 Sir Thomas Dyke Acland, 10th Baronet, consulted architect Charles Cockerell about the prospect of constructing a new private chapel to replace the existing two hundred year old chapel at Columbjohn. The chapel at Columbjohn was inconveniently situated and had ‘gradually fallen into extensive decay, so as to make its rebuilding necessary for safety’. Two hundred years later, building works and interventive conservation are required to stabilise Sir Thomas’ new replacement chapel.
The local Killerton volcanic stone, is both one of the building's great strengths but also an inherent weakness. The stone gives the Chapel of the Holy Evangelists a beautiful hue and firmly links the building to the ground it stands upon, but it is incredibly friable meaning that the building is vulnerable to weathering. A newspaper report from 1848 indicates that the Teetotal Festival was unable to access the Chapel due to repairs, hinting that the building may have faced problems from the very beginning.
The first phase of work includes repairs and stabilisation to the stonework façade, using local Devon stone. It was always thought that it was the stone from the Clump that had been used but geologists believe that it was a quarry at Budlake that had been originally used. The stone from the Clump was used for repairs around 30 years ago and this has perished. Fresh stone has been sourced from a quarry near Crediton, Mid Devon, which has been deemed to be the closest match. Repairs will also include updates to the drainage system and restoration of the stained-glass windows.
The second phase of works is now underway. This phase will address the interior fixtures and fittings including the organ, historic lighting and chapel grounds.
August 2025
Expert conservator, Brian Bentley of Cleveden Conservation, came to the chapel to help restore the chancel floor with a trial repair. He colour matched test pieces that were created in the workshop with the original flooring, tested a Jesmonite mix on a small black section, and removed accumulated dirt and floor wax with cleaning solution.
We will keep you updated on the progress.
The work that has been completed so far is only possible because of the funding received from supporters.
There have been a number of anonymous donors that we are very grateful for. Special thanks to Mr Bovey and Barbara Mair for their generous gifts to Killerton left in their wills, and for the donation in memory of Patricia Wood-Smith.
We're also thankful for the support from Raleigh Centre Honiton, Ottery & District Association, Culm & Exe Valleys Centre, North Somerset, Bath and Wells, Sidmouth National Trust Supporter Groups, and the Exeter and District Centre National Trust Supporter Group. We couldn't do what we do without your support.
For every pin badge sold and donation made on site, we say a big thank you. Your support will allow the conservation work to continue, allowing everyone to enjoy the chapel in the future.
Everyone needs nature, now more than ever. Donate today and you could help people and nature to thrive at the places we care for.
