WARRINGTON’S oldest chapel is to open to the public on Saturday, September 10 – the national Heritage Open Day.
Cairo Street Unitarian Chapel will be open between 10am and 4pm and at 11am, the Mayor, Cllr Mike Biggin is visiting 
to unveil a commemorative plaque which recognises the chapel’s historical importance in the development of Warrington.
Founder in 1662, the chapel contains memorials to many famous former members and the links it had with Warrington Academy – the dissenting educational establishment which once earned the town the title “the Athens of the North.”
Writer Anna Barbauld was a member, prison reformer John Howard worshipped there, philosopher and discoverer of oxygen Joseph Priestley was both married and ordained a Unitarian minister there and Frederick Monks, who gave the Golden Gates to Warrington, is buried in the graveyard.
Also buried there are the young son of novelist Elizabeth Gaskell and her husband, William, a Latchford boy who became one of the foremost Unitarian ministers of his day and a noted educationalist and social reformer.
On Sunday September 18, at 3pm the chapel is holding its annual Academy Service when there will be talk on the life of the Rev Pearsall Carpenter, a 17th century Free Church minister and expert on molluscs and shells.
More information on the chapel can be obtained from the Rev Lynne Readett on 07885 414410 or email [email protected]
Oldest chapel to stage open day
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About Author
Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
