Chowbent Unitarian Chapel

ATHERTON BOLTON OLD ROAD SD 60 SE (south side) 2/3 Chowbent Unitarian Chapel (formerly listed 15/7/66 as Chowbent Chapel) G.V. II* Chapel, originally Presbyterian. 1721 replacing an earlier building of 1645. Flemish bond brick with stone dressings and slate roof. 3-sided-gallery.plan.A 2-storey entrance wing of 1901 dominates the front elevation. It has a gable pediment, an entrance with fanlight and keystone, a sundial, a commemorative plaque and an oculus within the tympanum. Abutments to either side obscure the original entrance doors. The 3-bay side elevations and 4-bay rear have a stone plinth, quoins and an eaves cornice on shaped brackets. Each bay has a round-arched window which is keyed into a continuous band on both first and second floor levels. C19 vestry to right. Elegant open cupola with lead roof and weather-vane. Interior: an outstanding and virtually complete survival with a central 3-decker pulpit surrounded by box pews on 3 sides. The pews have raised and fielded panels and have only been replaced on the rear gallery. Turned oak columns support the gallery and a second tier the roof. C18 commemorative tablets include one above the pulpit to J. Wood, died 1759, which has swept sides and is topped by an urn. Studded oak vestry door rehung from the earlier 1645 chapel. Stained glass, some by Shrigley and Hunt. The 1901 interior is not without quality especially in its timber and glass fittings. Generally a fine example of well preserved early C18 non-conformist architecture. J. Wright, The storey of Chowbent Chapel, 1921.

Listing NGR: SD6790403215