Chowbent Chapel, Grade II* listed Unitarian chapel in Atherton, Wigan, England.
Description
Chowbent Chapel is a Grade II* listed Unitarian place of worship in Atherton featuring rustic brickwork, stone quoins, and round arched windows beneath a slate roof. A small bell tower sits within a cupola at the gable end of the structure.
History
This chapel was built in 1721 after religious dissenters were forced to leave their previous meeting house. Nathan Mort donated the land, making it the oldest surviving place of worship still standing in Atherton.
Culture
The interior preserves original box pews, a three-tier pulpit, and galleries with Doric oak columns that reflect how worshippers gathered and experienced faith together. These furnishings show the traditional layout of Unitarian meeting spaces from this era.
Practical
The chapel is visible from the street and shows its original form with the characteristic bell tower above. A two-story extension added in 1901 features a gable roof and decorative window above the entrance, providing easier access to the interior.
Did you know?
Harry Toulmin served as minister here before emigrating to the United States, where he later became Secretary of State of Kentucky. This connection shows how people from this congregation spread to distant parts of the world.
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