Story

Tolpuddle Old Chapel is a grade II* listed building with a unique and fascinating history. The story of the Tolpuddle Martyrs and the foundation of modern day trade unionism is a story that can trace its origins to the Tolpuddle Old Chapel. The 200 year old former Methodist chapel is on Historic England's Heritage at Risk register and the Tolpuddle Old Chapel Trust (TOCT) is working hard to get the funding needed to preserve and restore the chapel and open it up to the public. A big thank you to all our supporters who have pledged donations to our cause. Following the wonderful news of a successful grant of £329,300 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, TOCT is now in a strong position to realise its vision of renovating and extending the Old Chapel. TOCT has raised over £290,000 in match funding. There are still opportunities for sponsorship of two new windows, each costing £4,377.60. Donations are still needed to cover the day to day cost of the upkeep of the Old Chapel and site as well as general running costs such as insurance, annual accounts fee and other ongoing expenses.

The trustees are grateful for all offers of assistance to save this uniquely special and important piece of Dorset and National history.

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