Your Chapel

The Chapel of St Letus Salata ceased to exist as a place of worship in the early 1990s, after the remaining religious leaders stepped down and no replacements were appointed. The congregation were not formally disbanded, but were left without clergy, oversight, or any clear instruction about the future of the building.

In practice, what people found hardest to lose were the social aspects attached to the Chapel: the refreshments, seasonal events and regular company of others. These had become part of Chapel life in their own right.

The building remained unused and gradually deteriorated. Members of the former congregation eventually reopened it and resumed its ordinary use, retaining the familiar pattern of services, meetings and social gatherings, but without clergy, prayers, doctrine, or religious instruction.

East Thameside Council later sought possession of the premises, but was unsuccessful. The Chapel users established their right to remain by long term occupation (i.e. under 'squatter's rights' rules). East Thameside Council has since indicated that the congregation can continue to use it for as long as the Chapel can be shown to remain a community asset and conducts appropriate record keeping.