Cottle Church
The ruins of a Nevis chapel built in 1824 for a planter's family and the people he enslaved.
Updated 3 September 2026
Thomas Cottle was president of Nevis and in 1824 he built a chapel on his estate so that his family and the people he held as slaves could worship together, which was against the law at the time. The stone shell survives roofless in the bush in the island's north, with the arched openings and part of the tower standing. It is a small building and its interest is entirely in what it represents.
The main sights
- The stone shell - the roofless chapel standing in the bush.
- The 1824 date - a chapel built while such worship was still illegal.
- The arched openings - the surviving window and door forms.
- The setting - a small building left in scrub on the old estate.
When to go
December to April is the dry season and the track is easier. The site is open ground. Morning light is best on the stone.
Things to know
The ruins are small and there is very little to see physically. The track in is rough and easy to miss. Interpretation on site amounts to a sign.
Nearby
Charlestown is south, and Oualie is northwest.
What to pack for Cottle Church
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Comfortable walking shoes - Sightseeing means kilometres of pavement and cobbles daily. Find on Amazon
- A slim anti-theft daypack - Zips that close properly; keep it in front in crowds and on transit. Find on Amazon
- A refillable water bottle - Many cities have public fountains; save money and plastic. Find on Amazon
- A light layer + compact umbrella - For museum air-con and a sudden shower. Find on Amazon
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