HC Deb 12 June 1835 vol 28 cc769-70

Mr. Baring moved, that 7,665l. be granted to defray the charge of finishing the interior of Whitehall-chapel.

Mr. Warburton

said, that it would be in exceeding ill taste to persevere in using as a chapel a building which Inigo Jones has designed for a banquetting-hall, and which Rubens's paintings could not fail to remind the visitors was not intended for a place of worship. If the building was to be restored to the condition in which it was in the time of Charles 1st, he should not object to the grant; but he should oppose it, if it were intended again to fit up the place as a chapel.

Mr. Ewart

agreed, that the associations connected with the place, and converting it into a chapel, were incongruous, and suggested that it should be turned into a public library, a concert-room or picture-gallery, or any other useful public purpose.

Mr. Francis Baring

said, that the estimate was framed for the purpose of fitting up the interior as a chapel; what would be the expense or utility of fitting it up as a banquetting-hall he did not know.

Lord Granville Somerset

said, that it had been used as a chapel from the time of the burning down of the original Whitehall-hall chapel in the reign of William 3rd. and its having been lately shut up, had been a great inconvenience to the respectable inhabitants of the vicinity. A larger estimate than the sum moved for had been given in to the Treasury, for which more ornamental improvements would be obtained, and he regretted that it was not proposed to grant the largest sum.

Major Beauclerk

said, he would object to the grant, if the chapel were not made accessible to the poor of the vicinity. He would suggest, that half of this chapel, which was to be fitted up from the public funds, should be devoted to free seats for the poor.

Mr. Francis Baring

agreed in the principle of the hon. and gallant Member's suggestion, but could not, without more consideration agree to the amount of space he had named; but if he would leave the matter in his hands, he pledged himself that a proper proportion of free seats should be reserved.

Major Beauclerk

had no objection to leave the matter in the right hon. Gentleman's hands.

Mr. Warburton

said, he should divide the Committee against the grant, since it was to be applied to making the building a chapel.

The Committee divided on the Resolution. Ayes 116; Noes 24: Majority 92.

List of the NOES.
Bowring, Dr. Pease, J.
Buller, C. Potter, R.
Buckingham, J. S. Sheldon, E.
Crawford, W. S. Spiers, A. G.
Dillwyn, L. W. Thornley, T.
Elphinstone, H. Trelawney, Sir W. L.
Ewart, W. Tulk, C. A.
Fielden, J. Wakley, T.
Finn, W. Williams, W.
Gisborne, T. Wood, M.
Gully, J. TELLER.
Hindley, C. Warburton, H.
Maxwell, J.
Oliphant, L.