Dean Row Chapel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dean Row Chapel |
|
|---|---|
Dean Row Chapel
|
|
| Lua error in Module:Location_map at line 420: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value). | |
| OS grid reference | SJ 871 815 |
| Location | Wilmslow, Cheshire |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Unitarian |
| Website | Dean Row Chapel |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Heritage designation | Grade II* |
| Designated | 30 March 1951 |
| Architectural type | Chapel |
| Groundbreaking | 1695 |
| Specifications | |
| Materials | Red brick with sandstone dressings Kerridge slate roof with stone ridge |
Dean Row Chapel is a special Unitarian church located in Cheshire, North West England. It is about 2 kilometers (or 2 miles) east of the town of Wilmslow. This historic building is officially recognized as a Grade II* listed building. This means it is very important and protected. The people who worship here are part of the General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches. This group is the main organization for Unitarians in Britain.
Contents
History of Dean Row Chapel
When Was the Chapel Built?
The chapel was built a long time ago, around the end of the 17th century. This was soon after a law called the Act of Toleration 1689 was passed. This law allowed different religious groups to worship freely.
How the Chapel Was Restored
By 1843, the chapel had become quite old and damaged, almost like a ruin. But it was fixed up and brought back to life! During this restoration, some of its old furniture and inside parts were lost. The chapel was officially reopened on April 23, 1845. Later, in 1971, it was restored again to keep it in good condition.
What Kind of Church Is It?
Originally, Dean Row Chapel was a Presbyterian church. Over time, it became a Unitarian chapel. It is still used as a Unitarian chapel today.
Architecture of the Chapel
What the Outside Looks Like
The chapel is built with red bricks and has special sandstone decorations. It has two floors. The roof is made of Kerridge slates, which are a type of stone tile. At the eastern end of the roof, there is a stone ball. At the western end, there is a small bellcote with a single bell and another stone ball on top.
Two staircases on the outside lead up to the top floor. Under each staircase, there is a small porch that leads into the ground floor. On the lower level, there are four windows, each with two parts. On the upper level, there are six similar windows. In the middle of the wall, you can see bronze plaques that remember people from wars.
What the Inside Looks Like
Inside the chapel, there are galleries at each end. A gallery is like a balcony that overlooks the main worship area. The organ is located in the east gallery. The altar table, where religious ceremonies take place, is at the east end and has a curved rail around it. Also at the east end is the pulpit, which has three levels. It used to be on the north side of the chapel. At the west end, there is a board that lists the names of all the past ministers who have served the chapel.
Other Features Around the Chapel
In the graveyard next to the chapel, there is a sundial. A sundial is an old way to tell time using the sun's shadow. This sundial has three faces and dates back to 1871. It was fixed up for the year 2000, which was a new millennium.
More About Unitarian Churches
If you are interested in other Unitarian churches nearby, you might look up Chowbent Chapel and Cross Street Chapel.
See also
- Grade II* listed buildings in Cheshire East
- Listed buildings in Wilmslow
