"The chapel was built in 1689 soon after the passing of the Act of Toleration. The land was given by Isaac Antrobus, a Knutsford tanner and life long dissenter, as a gift to build the chapel and a small burial ground. Money for the building and fitments were given by other members.
William Tong helped Isaac Antrobus organise the building of the New Chapel. It was built of red brick with a stone-flagged roof in two storeys with two external staircases. Inside there is a gallery on three sides and a pulpit on a long wall. The pulpit dates from the late 17th or early 18th century and the pews from 1859.
The Chapel was built so that it was inconspicuous and resembled a private house or farm building. This was because the dissenters had a very real fear that the right to public worship and freedom from prosecution could be withdrawn. It is said that lookouts were posted by the outside steps to the galleries in case of attack.
It is the burial place of the novelist Elizabeth Gaskell who died in 1865, her husband William Gaskell who died in 1884, and their two unmarried daughters who died in 1908 and 1913.
The gardens which lie behind the chapel are tranquil and well kept. A cutting taken from a Mulberry Tree in Shakespeare’s garden, has been planted in the chapel garden in recognition of the two years Elizabeth spent at boarding school in Stratford-upon Avon."
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The building is still in use as a Unitarian chapel.
"Services are held every Sunday at 11.00am.
Enjoy Tea, coffee, biscuits and a chat after Sunday Service. The chapel is known for its friendly atmosphere and so you will always receive a warm welcome, friendship and support." (
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Brook Street Heritage Site "The site includes the following;
The beautiful Grade 1 listed Chapel, which is the oldest place of worship in Knutsford.
The Graveyardwhere Elizabeth and William Gaskell and two of their daughters are buried surrounded by numerous members of her family including her great great grandfather, Peter Coulthurst, who died in 1741 who was a founding trustee of the chapel and “Aunt Lumb. The graves of previous ministers and other eminent people as well as members of the congregation all lie in the well tended grounds.
The Gardens These tranquil well-kept gardens lie behind the chapel. There is also a cutting of a mulberry tree taken from Shakespeare’s garden in recognition of the two years Elizabeth spent at boarding school in Stratford-upon-Avon.
The Stairway has a gallery of eminent Unitarians and their achievements.
The Exhibition RoomsThe Gaskell Room has many interesting and informative panels about Elizabeth’s early life in Knutsford and her visits to other well known Cheshire Homes eg Styal, Tatton, Tabley.
Her Unitarian faith and the people she met in her youth greatly influenced her novels.
The room resembles an 1800’s living room with many artefacts being donated by local people. A doll’s house representing “Heathwaite” in Gaskell Avenue, Knutsford, where Elizabeth lived with Aunt Lumb until her marriage to William Gaskell is a favourite with children along with some Victorian dolls.
There is an interesting collection of books that had belonged to Aunt Lumb and other members of the Holland family as well as Gaskell novels and information books.
The Chapel Room has panels which explain the events leading up to the building of the chapel, a brief history of Unitarianism and Elizabeths association with the chapel. We are currently preparing a board to tell of the chapel’s history from the time it was built till today.
The Chapel Hall (built as a school room in 1886) where visitors can meet for a chat while they enjoy light refreshments. Children are welcome and there is a choice of quiz sheets for them to complete and a dressing up box.
Heritage Opening HoursTuesday 10-12 Sundays 12-1 throughout the year.
Other times by appointment please."
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