Hidden behind a wall stands Boone’s Chapel. A tiny red brick building it’s surprisingly grand. This unassuming chapel holds a fascinating story. It’s a Grade I listed building. That means it’s one of only two in Lewisham considered nationally important.
Boone’s Chapel was built in 1683. Sir Christopher Wren is often credited with its design. However Robert Hooke may have actually overseen the construction. He was a colleague and friend of Wren. Both men were members of the Merchant Taylors’ Company.
Christopher Boone commissioned the chapel. He was a wealthy wool merchant. He and his wife Mary are buried in a vault beneath the chapel floor. This secret was discovered during renovations in 2006. The Boone family lived in Herefordshire. Their estate funded the almshouses next to the chapel. They also paid for the education of twelve poor children.
The almshouses sadly were demolished in 1877. The chapel however was saved. It even served as a reading room. By the late 1990s neglect threatened Boone’s Chapel. It was placed on the Buildings at Risk register. A new charity stepped in. The Blackheath Historic Buildings Trust raised over 500000 pounds. They fully restored Boone’s Chapel in 2008. A small physic garden was added.
Today Boone’s Chapel is a testament to its rich history. It’s now used by architects but opens to the public. It’s a reminder of the Boone family and their legacy. It stands as a symbol of preservation and community effort. Visit Boone’s Chapel to witness its quiet beauty and remarkable story.