AVEBURY’S centuries-old chapel, which is built partly of broken pieces from Neolithic standing stones, will be brought back to life as a visitor centre after the National Trust bought the much-loved building.

The 17th century chapel, on Green Street inside the famous Neolithic stone circle, had its future called into question when it was put up for sale in 2015. A group of local people had wanted to buy the chapel to preserve it but negotiations fell through, so the National Trust has stepped up to take it on. The trust says it will renovate the building and grounds while keeping its ‘special character’.

Jan Tomlin, general manager for the National Trust Wiltshire Landscape, said: “Our vision is to develop this unique and beautiful building into a welcome and information space for both local communities and visitors to share our passion for the landscape, its abundant nature and world-renowned archaeology.

“We will also seek to establish the building as a space within the village for talks and presentations by specialists in ecology, archaeology and heritage, to promote conservation and the National Trust’s core work in the outdoors.”

The chapel was founded in 1670 and sits inside Avebury’s UNESCO World Heritage site; the National Trust says it is rare to find a Christian building within a prehistoric henge and stone circle.

Hilary Makins, NT countryside manager, added: “Our ranger team is really looking forward to having a dedicated space to promote the wonderful outdoors to our local, national and international visitors.”