York Unitarian Chapel facts for kids
The York Unitarian Chapel is a special building located on St. Saviourgate in York, England. It belongs to the General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches, which is a group that connects Unitarian churches across Britain.
This chapel was built in 1692 or even earlier. Its design looks like a Greek cross, which means it has four arms of equal length. It is considered a Grade II* listed building, meaning it's very important historically and architecturally. People believe it was the first large brick building in York to have walls that support the entire structure.
Who Helped Build the Chapel?
A very important person who helped the chapel was Lady Sarah Hewley. She was a Protestant dissenter, which means she had different religious beliefs from the main church at the time. Lady Hewley was the widow of Sir John Hewley, who was a Member of Parliament (an MP).
Lady Hewley also started special homes called almshouses in Tanner Row in York. These homes provided shelter for people who needed help. Later, in 1839, these almshouses were moved because of the railway. They are now known as the Lady Hewley's Almshouses and are also on St Saviourgate. There are also twelve other almshouses called Colton's Hospital on Shipton Street.
Famous People Connected to the Chapel
The most well-known minister (or leader) of the Chapel was Charles Wellbeloved. He first worked as an assistant to Rev. Newcome Cappe and then became the main minister until he passed away in 1858.
Charles Wellbeloved did many important things for York:
- He helped save the York city walls from being taken apart for building materials.
- He worked to fix problems at York County Lunatic Asylum, a hospital for mental health.
- He started the York Mechanics' Institute, which was a place for people to learn practical skills.
- He wrote a guide about York Minster, the famous cathedral in York.
- He also helped raise money after a fire damaged a screen inside the Minster.
Besides his work in York, Charles Wellbeloved was also the Principal of Manchester College. This college was one of the dissenting academies, which were schools that trained ministers and offered higher education to students who were not part of the main church.
