Chowbent Unitarian Chapel

In 1695 James Wood (the son) succeeded his father. James Wood's ministry lasted a remarkable 60 years and saw the transfer of the congregation from the old to the new (present) chapel. Wood was a loyal supporter of the House of Hanover and in 1715 he marched a large number of men of his congregation to Walton, near Preston. Armed with basic weapons such as farm implements, Wood and his ‘army’ successfully prevented the rebel Jacobites from crossing the River Ribble. For his courageous action, Wood was awarded a pension and the honorary title of General to add to that of Reverend. The then Lord of the Manor, Richard Atherton, was a Jacobite and furious. He evicted the congregation and closed the chapel.

Reverend General Wood was not easily discouraged and, with his congregation, he set about building the present Chowbent chapel, which was fully in use in 1722. The chapel is much as it was when first built using local oak from the nearby Hulton Estate and local labour. It is built of hand made brick with stone detailing, round arched windows in two storeys. 

The present chapel is much as it was when first built using local oak (from the nearby Hulton Estate) and local labour. It is built of hand made brick with stone detailing, round arched windows in two storeys. Date of 1722 on top course of bricks north side, Cupola and bell. The box pews are original though a few have been removed to allow needed space to the front of the distinctive three decker pulpit.

In 1722, reflecting the Puritan element in dissenting chapel architecture, the walls would have been simply whitewashed and the windows (many now worked in stained glass) diamond paned in lead. 

The roof would have been open to the solid oak rafters and trusses. Music then would not have been entertained (the chanting of Psalms was allowed) but the first organ was installed in 1806. The present organ is a fine instrument installed in 1901 by 'ALEXR. YOUNG & SONS, ORGAN BUILDERS, MANCHESTER'. It required an extension to the south aspect of the chapel, allowing for the creation also of an entrance area and two vestibules.

The story of Chowbent chapel, written in 1921 by the then Minister, Reverend JJ Wright was reprinted in 1990: copies are available from the chapel, proceeds going to the restoration fund.

The chapel burial and baptism records are also available in CD Rom format (please contact David Shallcross). David is also happy to talk about the chapel and its history to groups who would like to arrange a visit, email chowbenter@gmail.com.

The congregation celebrated its 350th Anniversary in 1995.Visitors will note the modern style stained glass window in the east vestibule and the beautiful hand made Communion Table Cloth. These items were crafted by chapel members Jan Swierczynski and June Yates respectively. Now fully refurbished internally and externally, the chapel is truly magnificent the grounds have also had major landscaping work done.