We have some fantastic news that we are proud to report! Our local community project is now well underway. We have had incredible support from huge numbers of our holiday guests, offering donations towards the repainting/refurbishing the Porlock Weir ‘Tin Tabernacle’, St Nicholas Church.
Over the past 12 months, slowly but surely, we have been getting closer to our £5000 target. Having now received over £4400 in donations (time of writing on 21st January 2021), we are well on track to achieve our goal and can get going with offering the Tabernacle some TLC.
This tiny church is in Porlock Weir, just up from the harbour. Constructed of corrugated tin, in a raised position approached by slate-surfaced steps, is St. Nicholas’s Church; this is a typical “tin tabernacle” of c. 1880. and little altered. This example has a small, gabled porch, tiny belfry and small-scale pointed arch windows.
A bit more about Tin Tabernacles…
During the mid-19th century, a groundbreaking architectural development emerged in the form of pre-fabricated churches, commonly known as ‘tin tabernacles,’ ‘iron churches,’ and ‘iron chapels.’ These structures were rapidly assembled and served as temporary places of worship, awaiting the establishment of more permanent and expensive stone or brick edifices.
These versatile structures found their niche in various locations, including burgeoning industrial areas, mining villages, proximity to railway works, and remote rural and coastal regions like Porlock Weir.
Presently, only 86 remaining corrugated iron churches can be found across England, with fewer than 20 designated protected buildings. Notably, certain redundant chapels have been relocated to museums, ensuring their preservation for the appreciation of future generations.
St Nicholas Today
Having many years of coastal weathering and little funds available for maintenance and management, the tabernacle had fallen into disrepair. Looking destined for ruin, this has been such a turnaround; We at The Best of Exmoor couldn’t be prouder of our incredible holiday guests, so many of which voluntarily put forward donations to contribute to the restoration process.
As you can see from the photos above, the exterior is now transformed! From dishevelled, unkempt and unloved to a sparkling white, this little ‘Chapel of Ease’ is now much happier.
Work has also been undertaken on the interior. Take a peek at the porch, which desperately needed some love after many years of neglect.
In my view, this little church suitably reflects the character of Porlock Weir and much of Exmoor in general. A modest, humble but intriguing reflection of days of old, refreshingly reminding us of simpler times. Although not grand or substantial, this quiet spot fulfils a wholesome role; A place for weary legs or intrepid travellers to find a moment of shelter, peace or reflection.
St Nicholas Church continues to hold occasional services to this day. It is part of the Porlock Pilgrim’s Trail, a walking trail via 9 of Exmoor’s chapels and churches.
A Huge Thank You!
We would like to reiterate how appreciative we are to our fantastic guests for allowing this to go ahead. We really have been blown away by how many people have opted to donate. It is wonderful to help preserve this humble dwelling for the future and allow many more people to enjoy the stillness and sanctitude of this place.
The Tin Tabernacle is very grateful for all your love and generosity!
