Explore Cross Street Chapel Manchester: from 1694 to today
Cross Street Chapel - Unitarian, 29 Cross Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M2 1NL
Cross Street Chapel was opened in 1694, as the Dissenters Meeting House, after the Act of Toleration in 1689, by William and Mary.
Our first minister Reverend Henry Newcome, was ejected from Manchester Collegiate Church, in August 1662, with the passing of the Act of Uniformity, limiting English religious worship. Until Dissenting worship was legal, the community met in private houses and a barn in Shudehill.
The first chapel was built in 1694, which was damaged by angry mobs in 1715 and 1790's
The congregation were the 'Great and Good' of Manchester with MPs, Lords Mayor, Merchant Princes, Railway Chairmen, financiers and philanthropists sitting in its pews. It rose to prominence under the length ministry of Rev William Gaskell, whose wife was the famous novelist Elizabeth. The chapel led the way in caring for the poor and working class of Manchester, and in education for everyone regardless of sex, class or belief.
It was destroyed in the Manchester Blitz, being replaced by a new building in a more contemporary style, opened in 1959.
Our present building was opened in 1998, within a purpose built office block, its circular chapel space is complemented by the Percival Suite Community Hall and meeting rooms.
We aim to show you our present spaces and display our architectural history of change, damage, expansion, road widening and how these relate to the history of Manchester's ongoing story.
Timings & Tours
- Sunday 14 September:
- 12:30pm to 4:30pm
Location & directions
Cross Street Chapel - Unitarian, 29 Cross Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M2 1NL
- Directions:
- Cross Street Chapel is located on Cross Street between Exchange Square Metrolink Tram stop & St Peter's Square Tram Stop, opposite St Ann Street. The Entrance for Heritage Open Days will be through our Percival Suite past our temporary pop-up Peace Garden.
- Contact on day:
- Joe Calvert
- Telephone number:
- +441618330522
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
We welcome you to our Cross Street entrance into the Percival Suite which will be the main entry & exit point on Sunday the 14th of September from 12:30pm to 4:30pm, our building has accessible toilets and a lift to reach our rooms on the mezzanine. Light refreshments will be available, as well as guided tours of our building, with historical information boards and members of our congregation to explain them.
Additional information
- Max no of people per tour:
- 8
- Est. tour duration:
- 0 hour(s) 35 minute(s)
