History of the Rachel Fowler Centre

The Rachel Fowler Centre was formerly a Congregational / United Reform Chapel founded in 1778 by the Reverend John Honeywill.

Between 1883 and 1900 the building was completely renovated and a schoolroom constructed on adjoining land donated by Miss Rachel Fowler.

The present organ was installed in 1894 and not being included in the sale of the building was purchased by two local residents and donated to the centre in 1980.

The building has a Grade 2 listing with special reference to the wrought iron gallery fronts which were manufactured by Spencers Foundry of Melksham.

Reliquary

Entombed within the building are the relics of the Reverend John Honeywill and what is presumed to be Mrs Honeywill (of particular interest is that the female skull holds a full set of quality teeth). Another member of the Honeywill family is buried in the church, together with one Ambrose Iles, of whom little is known.

Memorial plaques to John Honeywill and Jacob Jones remain in situ, with two others removed to the balcony. Items contained within the building include Melksham Town Stocks, portrait of Rachel Fowler and four portraits of the Maggs family.

Melksham & District Arts Association (1979 - 1986)

This was inaugurated at a meeting in Melksham Town Hall, inspired by Melksham Town Council and noting that the United Reform Church off the Market Place was to become redundant. Representatives of various local organisations and Southern Arts were in attendance. A decision was made to proceed with the formation of the association and the establishment of an Arts Centre for Melksham.

The purchase of the building was to be £20,500, with adaptation costs of approximately £14,000 - much of this was for the construction of a toilet annexe, with all other work being undertaken by volunteers.

The Rachel Fowler Centre Association was duly formed with non-contributory membership of all residents of Melksham, Melksham Without and Broughton Gifford.

Melksham & District Arts Association remained an integral part of the Centre for seven years, during which time they received a small annual grant from Southern Arts to encourage presentation of professional artists. Their monthly events included The BBC Young Musician of the Year public performance, The Northern Lights Theatre, The Young Vic Theatre, Jackolly Puppets and Theatre Roundabout. Sadly the small grants were discontinued due to "a change of policy" without consultation.