King Edward Street Chapel, Macclesfield facts for kids
Quick facts for kids King Edward Street Chapel, Macclesfield |
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King Edward Street Chapel, Macclesfield
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| OS grid reference | SJ 917 738 |
| Location | Macclesfield, Cheshire |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Unitarian |
| Website | King Edward Street Chapel |
| History | |
| Status | Chapel |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Heritage designation | Grade II* |
| Architectural type | Chapel |
| Style | Gothic Revival |
| Completed | 1690 |
| Specifications | |
| Length | 60 feet (18 m) |
| Width | 20 feet (6 m) |
| Materials | Red sandstone Stone-flagged roof |
| Administration | |
| District | Manchester |
King Edward Street Chapel, Macclesfield is a historic building in the town of Macclesfield, Cheshire, England. It is a very important building, listed as a Grade II* listed building. This means it has special historical or architectural value. Today, it is still used as a Unitarian chapel.
Contents
History of the Chapel
The chapel was built in 1690. This was soon after a law called the Act of Toleration 1689 was passed. This law gave people more freedom to practice their religion.
Becoming Unitarian
At first, the chapel was an independent church that believed in the Trinitarian tradition. This means they believed in God as three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. However, between 1764 and 1780, it became a Unitarian chapel. Unitarians have different beliefs about God.
Changes Over Time
Around 1800, a gallery inside the chapel was removed. In the early 1800s, some Gothic style features were added to the inside. In 1825, the chapel got its current name, King Edward Street Chapel. Before that, it was known as Back Street Chapel. In 1930, the old box pews (which were like small enclosed boxes for families) were replaced with the bench pews you see today.
Chapel Architecture
The chapel is built from local red sandstone. It has a roof made of stone flags. It is about 60 feet (18 meters) long and 20 feet (6 meters) wide.
Outside the Chapel
The chapel is a bit hidden. You reach it by walking down a narrow path from King Edward Street. On the outside, there are two staircases. These lead up to the galleries inside, on the east and west sides. You can also see a lead pipe that carries rainwater. This pipe has the date 1690 on it, showing when the chapel was built.
Inside the Chapel
Inside, you'll find a tall, two-level pulpit in the middle of the north side. This is where the minister speaks. There are also galleries at the east and west ends of the chapel.
In the vestry, which is a room used by the minister, there are oil portraits. These are paintings of Thomas Culcheth, who was a minister here from 1717 to 1751, and his wife. You can also see a beautifully carved chair made in 1688 by William Leicester. The communion table, which was given to the chapel in 1894, is also very detailed.
The alabaster christening bowl, used for baptisms, and its cover are from 1842. In the east gallery, there is a two-manual organ. This organ was made by John Bellamy in 1846.
The chapel keeps very old records. The registers, which record important events like births and deaths, go back to 1713. The treasurers' cash books, which show how money was spent, date from 1708.
See also
- Grade II* listed buildings in Cheshire East
- Listed buildings in Macclesfield
