King Edward Street Chapel, Macclesfield

King Edward Street Chapel is a Gothic Revival building constructed from local red sandstone and reached through a narrow passageway from the street. Inside you will find a two-decker pulpit, galleries positioned at both ends, and a two-manual organ from 1846.

The chapel was built in 1690 following the Act of Toleration, which allowed non-conformist religious groups to worship openly. The congregation shifted from Trinitarian beliefs to Unitarianism under the ministry of John Palmer between 1764 and 1780.

The congregation embraces an open approach that welcomes people regardless of their beliefs, allowing visitors to see how spiritual exploration exists without fixed doctrines. Walking through the chapel, you notice this inclusive character reflected in how the space is arranged and how the community gathers together.

Access to the chapel is through a narrow passageway from King Edward Street, so allow time to find the entrance and get your bearings. Once inside, take time to explore the layout carefully, as the galleries and pulpit positioning are key to understanding how the space functioned.

The vestry holds oil paintings of minister Thomas Culcheth and his wife, alongside a finely carved chair from 1688 that shows the craftsmanship of its era. An alabaster christening bowl from 1842 sits nearby, revealing how the chapel has preserved objects significant to its community over centuries.

Location: Macclesfield

Inception: 1690

Architectural style: Gothic Revival

Website: http://maccunitarians.co.uk

GPS coordinates: 53.26100,-2.12800

Latest update: December 14, 2025 13:08