The Non-Conformist Chapel at Heanor Cemetery aka Marlpool Cemetery is a particular favourite building of mine.
As I understand it, the term Non-Conformist was originally used for Protestants who did not `conform` to the edicts of the Church of England. You might think of them as wishing to remain independent of the state, with the Co of E standing for a "Church and State philosophy".
Another group, similar in aims, also came to be referred to as Non-Conformists though in their time they were known as `Dissenters`.
That`s literally all I know about the matter, except for the more general observation that the `dissenting` of these and similar groups was important in the run-up to the English Civil War.
Presumably these groups were active in the area. There is still a `Free Church` in Heanor and apparently there was a Dissenters burial ground in Kirk Hallam, which is now a field.
Originally the Chapel had a steeple. I don`t know what happened to it ! I personally like it the way it is.
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