John Plass
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"The need for a chapel at the Workhouse had been evident since the opening in 1838. Having arrived at the decision to build, it was necessary to go about the task in the most economical manner. An inmate at the Workhouse called John Plass, a man of advanced age, a mason by trade, was set to work by the Board of Guardians, the stone being dug from the Workhouse garden. The foundation stone for the Chapel was laid on 10 February 1843 by Tristram Whitter Esq., M.D. in the presence of G.W.Blathwayt Esq., Chairman of the Board of Guardians, and the children of the Workhouse sang a hymn especially written for the occasion." The Survey of Bath and District No.22, October 2007 p24 A memorial to Plass's efforts is reportedly inside the locked doors of the chapel with the inscription: "To record the services of JOHN PLASS, inmate of this Workhouse, who at the age of 78, working with much zeal and industry, laid all the stones of this building. Died 5th June 1849, aged 82, And is buried in the adjoining ground."
