Sandham Memorial Chapel

Sandham Memorial Chapel is a red brick chapel in Burghclere with seventeen large-scale murals covering three walls. These paintings depict hospital scenes, the daily routines of soldiers, and military experiences from the war fronts in Macedonia.

The chapel was consecrated in 1926 and commemorates Lieutenant Henry Willoughby Sandham and other soldiers who died in World War I. Its creation was a response to wartime losses and served to preserve military experiences through art.

Stanley Spencer used the murals to show hospital scenes and the daily life of soldiers instead of focusing on traditional battle depictions. The paintings tell stories of medical orderlies, care routines, and human experiences during the war in Macedonia.

The National Trust property offers parking nearby, bicycle storage, and accessible toilets for visitors. The grounds include an orchard with heritage apple varieties that invites exploration.

In the Resurrection scene behind the altar, British soldiers place white wooden crosses at Christ's feet to represent their fallen comrades. This unusual depiction merges religious and military imagery in a touching way.

Location: Burghclere

Inception: 1926

Architects: Lionel Pearson

Part of: National Trust

Website: https://nationaltrust.org.uk/sandham-memorial-chapel

GPS coordinates: 51.34467,-1.33622

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:41