Distinctive 1960s university chapel recognised as East End landmark

The unusual domed chapel at Queen Mary University of London's Mile End campus has been recognised as an important East End landmark, receiving a Grade II listing from English Heritage. Described as 'a distinctive contribution to the streetscape', the St Benet's Chaplaincy building on Mile End Road is owned by the Church of England, and its chapel and lounge are used by QMUL staff and students for meetings, social events, quiet study, meditation, and midweek interdenominational services of worship. "I'm delighted that English Heritage has recognised the significance of our beautiful chapel," says QMUL's chaplain, the Rev Jenny Petersen. "That grey quirky exterior barely does justice to the treasure within. We're surrounded by noise and traffic - the underground even rumbles beneath us - but the chapel somehow remains a peace filled, quiet haven for anyone who wants to pray or be still." The chapel was designed by university architect Edward Playne (1907-1997) and built in 1961, in an attempt to achieve 'architectural unity' as the QMUL campus expanded between 1945 and 1967. It occupies part of the site of the Victorian St Benet's Church and Mission Hall which was built in 1872 but heavily damaged by bombs in 1940. With its dome implying a place of worship without the overt symbolism of any particular faith group or denomination, the chapel reflects the inclusive outlook of a university place of worship.