Chadkirk Chapel

History

There are records of a chaplain at or maybe from Chadkirk in 1347. Constructed 170 years before the Reformation, this kirk (Scottish word for church) started its life as a Roman Catholic church. In time, the chapel fell into decay, passed through a succession of owners and was used as a stable. For a time it was used by Nonconformists who were ejected during the reign of Queen Anne. It again became neglected and was "in a ruinous condition" until in 1747 it was taken over once again by the Church of England and restored. Further repairs were carried out in 1761 and 1860. In 1876 there was a restoration when much of the furniture was removed. The Chapel was declared redundant in 1971 and was acquired by Bredbury and Romiley Urban District Council. In 1974 local government reorganisation abolished "urban districts" and the area was transferred to the newly created Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council. The chapel was restored in 1995 and is now open as a visitor attraction.

Architecture

The present building dates from the 16th century, although the south walls were rebuilt in 1747. It is a timber-framed building with a slate roof but most of the walls have been rebuilt in dressed stone. At the west end is a timber bell-cote with a pyramidal roof and a weather-vane. The south wall of the nave has two doors and two windows with semicircular heads. Above the west door is a gabled dormer window. The chancel has a semicircular-headed window. The east and north walls of the chancel retain their timber framing. At the east end is a window with a semicircular head.