Castle Hill chapel, close to Northampton station, is one of the town's most notable buildings. From 1729 until his death in 1751, the minister was Philip Doddridge. First built in 1692 and enlarged in 1852 and 1890, the chapel, complete with box pews and galleries, has been the home of the congregation now called Castle Hill United Reformed Church.
A noted preacher and educator, Philip Doddridge composed over 400 hymns, some of which such as Hark the glad sound! (YouTube) are still sung today.
On 22 March 2026, the worshippers will have their final service at Castle Hill. From 5 April, they will join with Doddridge Memorial URC to meet in the chapel at Bethany Homestead, Kingsley Road, Northampton NN2 7BP.
It is expected that the building at Castle Hill will remain open regularly for community and charity use, and its Philip Doddridge heritage be further developed in the future.
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