Surrey Chapel

Surrey Chapel was a church building with a distinctive domed roof located on Blackfriars Road in Southwark. Its circular design created a spacious interior that could accommodate large numbers of visitors and worshippers.

The chapel was founded in 1783 by Reverend Rowland Hill during a time when the surrounding area was still open countryside. The district gradually developed into an industrial area over the following decades.

The chapel served as a meeting place for people of different religious backgrounds and provided education for local children. It held significance in the neighbourhood as a space where the community gathered for worship and learning.

The original site of the chapel is now occupied by an office building used by transport authorities. The location is accessible, though visitors should be aware it functions as an active workplace.

After closing as a chapel, the building was converted into a boxing arena called 'the Ring' in 1910. This unexpected transformation shows how buildings change purpose as communities evolve.

Location: London Borough of Southwark

GPS coordinates: 51.50391,-0.10450

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:45