Forest Chapel
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Forest Chapel | |
Forest Chapel |
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  Shown within Cheshire
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| Basic information | |
|---|---|
| Location | Macclesfield Forest Cheshire, England |
| Geographic coordinates | Coordinates: |
| Religious affiliation | Anglican |
| District | Diocese of Chester |
| Architectural description | |
| Architectural type | Church |
| Specifications | |
| Materials | Sandstone Kerridge stone-slate roof |
Forest Chapel stands in an isolated position in the civil parish of Macclesfield Forest and Wildboarclough in Cheshire, England within the Peak District National Park 4.5 miles (7 km) from Macclesfield (grid reference SJ974722). It is a Grade II listed building.[1] There is a tradition that it is dedicated to St Stephen, but it is not certain that this has been confirmed.[2]
Contents |
[edit] History
The original chapel was built in 1673. In about 1720 Francis Gastrell, Bishop of Chester noted that it was not consecrated. The chapel was almost entirely rebuilt in 1834.[2]
[edit] Structure
It is built in sandstone with a Kerridge stone-slate roof. The nave and chancel are in one range of five bays. On the south wall is a porch. At the west end is a tower with a saddleback roof and there are louvres in the bell-openings.[1] The tower contains one bell.[2]
[edit] Fittings and furniture
The interior is very plain. On the chancel wall is a white marble memorial to the memory of Rev Samuel Hall, a former minister of the church. Over the porch doorway is a benefaction board. Built into the east end wall is a stone altar.[2] The east window contains some Victorian glass.[1] The chapel registers begin in 1759 with some loose sheets dating back to 1746.[2]
[edit] Today
The old tradition of rush-bearing still takes place at the chapel each August.[3]
[edit] Notes
[edit] External links
- Thornber, Craig (2002-12-05). A Scrapbook of Cheshire Antiquities: Macclesfield Forest.
