Location : Kendal
Map - Ordnance Survey - SD 515928
Market Place. Tel: 01539 737 021
The chapel was built in 1720 for the Presbyterian congregation in Kendal, dedicated to civil and religious liberty. It became prominent in the anti-slavery movement, and openly Unitarian in the 1820s.
In 1733 its first minister, Dr Caleb Rotherham, founded an academy in which he taught divinity, science and advanced mathematics. The former manse north of the entrance was built in 1781 and the chapel was restored in 1882.
It was once used as a burial place for members of the congregation, but in 1791 it was decided that there was no further room for interments.
This little gem, with its small garden at the front of the chapel, is accessed through one of Kendal’s many yards, off the Market Place at the top of Branthwaite Brow.
William Wordsworth was a regular worshipper at the chapel.
For more information anout the Unitarian movement, photos and history of the building, see www.lakedistrictunitarians.org.uk
The gravestone of Dr Caleb Rotherham (detail)
The 17th century pew ends, now mounted in the wall of the vestry.
Photos by Matthew Emmott.
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