Jenkin Chapel, Saltersford
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| Jenkin Chapel, Saltersford | |
Jenkin Chapel |
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  Shown within Cheshire
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| Basic information | |
|---|---|
| Location | Saltersford |
| Geographic coordinates | Coordinates: |
| Religious affiliation | Anglican |
| District | Diocese of Chester |
| Year consecrated | 1894 |
| Ecclesiastical status | Chapel |
| Architectural description | |
| Architectural type | Chapel |
| Year completed | 1755 |
| Specifications | |
| Materials | Stone Kerridge stone-slate roof |
Jenkin Chapel, Saltersford is in an isolated position on the eastern slopes of the Pennines 4.3 miles (7 km) northeast of Macclesfield, Cheshire, England (grid reference SJ983766). It is a Grade II* listed building.[1] The chapel lies at the junction of three ancient trackways, known as "salters' ways" because they were used by packhorses carrying salt. Later the tracks were used by cattle drovers and sheep dealers.[2]
Contents |
[edit] History
The chapel was built in 1733 by local people using local materials who also raised money to pay for a minister.[2] A tower was added in 1755.[1]
[edit] Structure
The appearance of the chapel is more that of a Georgian farmhouse with a chimney stack than a church.[2] It consists of a two-storey nave, a one-storey chapel and vestry, and a three-stage tower with a saddleback roof.[1] The tower has an external staircase, a bell chamber and a porch with stone benches.[2] A chimney rises from the middle of the south wall.[1] The windows are Georgian in style, with sashes and small panes of glass.[3]
[edit] Fittings and furniture
Inside the chapel are box pews, an octagonal pulpit and a carved reading desk. The chancel is panelled and divided from the nave by rails consisting of turned balusters. Hanging from a lintel at the entrance to the chancel are similar balusters forming an arch.[3] In the chancel is a small stone font with an oak cover. At the west end is a gallery on which is the coat of arms of the Stopford family who lived in nearby Saltersford Hall in the 17th century. On the floor are grave slabs relating to the Turner family who were later residents of the hall.[2] The chapel was originally dedicated to St John the Baptist but it was not consecrated until 1894 when it was re-dedicated to St John the Evangelist.[4] Chapel registers date from 1770.[3]
[edit] Name
There is disagreement about the origin of the name "Jenkin". One theory is that the junction was the site where a man called Jenkin from Ruthin, North Wales, traded. The track-marking stone at this point was known as "Jenkin Cross".[2] Other theories are that Jenkin was the name of a local farming family, or that it was the name of a "fiery Welsh preacher" who preached at the horse fair held here.[4]
[edit] Notes
- ^ a b c d Images of England: Church of St John the Baptist, Saltersford. English Heritage. Retrieved on 2007-07-29.
- ^ a b c d e f Bilsborough, Norman (1983). The Treasures of Cheshire. Manchester: The North West Civic Trust, 149. ISBN 0901347353.
- ^ a b c Richards, Raymond (1947). Old Cheshire Churches. London: Batsford, 289-290.
- ^ a b St John the Evangelist's Church (Jenkin Chapel), Saltersford. Genuki. Retrieved on 2007-07-29.
