A field trip was taken to Goodshaw Chapel today, to look at how English Heritage have restored, maintain and display the only non-conformist chapel in their guardianship.
Goodshaw Chapel was originally built by its congregation in 1760 when Baptists united with Wesleyan Methodists. In 1864 a new chapel was built on the main road at the bottom of the hill in Goodshaw and this one gradually fell into disrepair. In 1975 it was recognised as a unique survival of an early nonconformist chapel retaining mainly of its internal features.
It was taken into the guardianship of the Department of the Environment and a full restoration scheme was completed in 1984.
Goodshaw is between Rawtenstall and Burnley, Lancashire.
Admission is free, but you must make an appointment with the English Heritage key holder.
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| Front entrance to the chapel. |
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| Looking towards the pulpit from the back of the gallery. |
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The candelabra.
The pews in the gallery were left unpainted. |
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| The gallery front with clock. |
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Research by English Heritage showed that the gallery fronts had once been painted blue.
Just like at George Street Chapel. |
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| 'Bats' provided for visitors to aid self-guided tours around the chapel. |
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| The external stone walls have 'tipped' stones to help shed the rainwater and prevent water draining collecting and drawing damp into the fabric of the chapel. The walls have a strange 'saw-tooth' appearance. |
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| At least Age UK Oldham does not have to maintain a churchyard at George Street Chapel! |
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