Jenkin Chapel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Jenkin Chapel, Saltersford |
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Jenkin Chapel in 2003
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| OS grid reference | SJ 983 766 |
| Location | Saltersford, Cheshire |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Anglican |
| Website | [1] |
| History | |
| Status | Parish church |
| Founded | 1733 |
| Dedication | John the Baptist |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Heritage designation | Grade II* |
| Designated | 14 April 1967 |
| Architectural type | Church |
| Groundbreaking | 1733 |
| Completed | 1755 |
| Specifications | |
| Materials | Stone Kerridge stone-slate roof |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Rainow with Saltersford and Forest |
| Deanery | Macclesfield |
| Archdeaconry | Macclesfield |
| Diocese | Chester |
| Province | York |
Jenkin Chapel is a historic church located in a quiet, isolated spot on the western side of the Pennines mountains. It is about 4.3 miles (7 kilometers) northeast of Macclesfield, Cheshire, England. This special building is listed as a Grade II* listed building, which means it's very important historically and architecturally.
The chapel sits where three old paths meet. These paths were once called "salters' ways" because they were used by packhorses carrying salt. Later, people used these same paths to move cattle and sheep. Jenkin Chapel is an Anglican church, part of the diocese of Chester. It works closely with two other churches, Holy Trinity, Rainow and Forest Chapel, Macclesfield Forest.
Contents
History of Jenkin Chapel
The chapel was built in 1733 by local people. They used materials found nearby to construct it. These community members also raised money to pay for a minister to lead services. A tower was added to the chapel in 1755, making it taller and more complete.
Architecture and Design
Jenkin Chapel looks a bit like a Georgian farmhouse, with a chimney stack, rather than a typical church. It has a two-story main part (called a nave) and a smaller, one-story chapel and vestry. There's also a three-part tower with a unique saddleback roof, which looks like a saddle.
Outside the Chapel
The tower has an outside staircase that leads up to it. It also has a bell chamber where the church bell is kept. At the bottom of the tower, there's a porch with stone benches where people can sit. A chimney rises from the middle of the chapel's south wall. The windows are in the Georgian style, with sashes and many small panes of glass.
Inside the Chapel
Inside, you'll find box pews, which are like enclosed seating areas. There's also an eight-sided pulpit where the minister preaches, and a beautifully carved reading desk. The chancel, which is the area around the altar, is covered in wooden panels. It's separated from the main seating area by rails made of turned balusters (small, shaped pillars).
Above the entrance to the chancel, there's a wooden beam (called a lintel) with similar balusters forming an arch. In the chancel, there's a small stone font used for baptisms, with a wooden cover. At the back of the chapel, there's a gallery. On this gallery, you can see the coat of arms of the Stopford family. They lived in the nearby Saltersford Hall during the 17th century. On the floor, there are grave slabs for the Turner family, who lived in the hall later on. Records of events at the chapel, like baptisms and weddings, go back to 1770.
Origin of the Name "Jenkin"
People aren't entirely sure how Jenkin Chapel got its name. One idea is that the area was a trading spot for a man named Jenkin, who came from Ruthin, North Wales. A stone marking the path at this spot was even called "Jenkin Cross." Other theories suggest that Jenkin was the name of a local farming family. Another idea is that it was the name of a "fiery Welsh preacher" who gave sermons at a horse fair held there long ago.
The chapel is mentioned in a book called Thursbitch, written by Alan Garner in 2003.
Current Use and Activities
Jenkin Chapel is open to visitors all year round. Special services are held there, including Evensong at 3 PM on the third Sunday of each month between Easter and Christmas. Other special events include Carols by Candlelight in December and the Big Sing in Summer.
The church was also featured in an episode of the TV show Hunted, which was shown on Channel 4 on January 4, 2018.
See also
- Grade II* listed buildings in Cheshire East
- Listed buildings in Rainow
