Worshippers had gathered there since 1835, led by a pastor who had previously attended a different chapel nearby and who continued to lead the congregation until his death in 1892.

In the early 19th century, Nonconformist Christians living in the Swanwick area of South Hampshire were provided for at an Independent (later Congregational) chapel which opened at nearby Sarisbury in 1803, several years after worshippers began meeting in local houses.

[5] The chapel was awarded Grade II listed status on 26 September 2005; this defines it as a "nationally important" building of "special interest".

[7] The chapel stands back slightly from Bridge Road (the A27), historically the main route between Southampton, Fareham and Portsmouth.

[2] Externally the building is very simple: of red and grey brick with a slate-tiled roof, it has a symmetrical east-facing façade with two large, slightly recessed, arched blind windows set below the gable and above a central doorway.