St. Mary’s Church Room, a tin tabernacle in Sole Street, Cobham
Restoring a local heritage gem and investing in the community
St. Mary’s Church Room, a tin tabernacle in Sole Street, Cobham, has been a vital community hub since its construction in 1889.
Tin tabernacles - also known as 'iron churches' - are prefabricated churches that emerged in the mid-19th century to meet the needs of rapidly expanding industrial towns in England, the British Empire, and North America. These quickly assembled structures catered to the rising demand for Nonconformist places of worship before more permanent buildings could be constructed.
St Mary’s Church Room was built from a kit delivered to the local railway station.
As one of the oldest tin tabernacles still in use in Great Britain and believed to be the only one with a stained-glass window, the Church Room has provided a space for worship, meetings, and events, and is the village's only community facility. A restored school bell still hangs on the roof. Once used to call children to worship services and Sunday school, it now stands as a reminder of the building’s historic role in the community.
Historical significance
Originally built in 1889 at a cost of £100, the structure was designed to last for 25 but years underwent essential restorations in the 1940’s to preserve its historical character and ensure accessibility for future generations. The building stands as a tribute to the engineers of the mid-19th century, who designed these types of prefabricated religious structures that reflected the society in which they were created and flourished.
Importance of restoration
Over the years, the building had fallen into disrepair and no longer met the community's needs. The renovation ensured it remains a welcoming space for everyone, helping to tackle loneliness and bringing people together in the village which has few other facilities.
Funding and impact
With a total restoration cost of around £260,000 the project received £150,000 from the Lower Thames Crossing, along with contributions from Cobham Parish Council and Friends of Kent Churches who played an active role in fundraising for over ten years, hosting events such as coffee mornings and bake sales.
What was funded
- A new eco-friendly roof
- New insulated windows and restoration of the original stained-glass windows
- Updated electrics and heating systems
- Accessibility features like ramps and a disabled-access toilet
Ron Chamberlain, Parochial Church Council Secretary for Cobham said: “The campaign to raise money for the Church Room restoration fund started nearly 12 years ago but it wasn’t until two years ago when we had money from your Lower Thames Crossing project community fund that we were able to go ahead. We are very fortunate to have received the funding and your support”
Long-term Benefits of Restoration
The restoration is set to benefit the Sole Street and Cobham communities for years to come. The Church Room will continue to host activities like mother-and-toddler groups, fitness classes, and social events. The eco-friendly improvements also promote sustainability, and the facility will serve as a cultural hub, holding film nights and workshops, strengthening community bonds.
By preserving this building, the historical St. Mary’s Church Room will remain a vital part of local life for future generations.
Steve Sherlock Stakeholder heritage advisor for National Highways: “This project is a fine example for how National Highways Designated Funds can enable the preservation and restoration of heritage assets, as without our support it is hard for small groups to raise the money to save buildings such at the Cobham tin tabernacle".
