Ainsworth Presbyterian Chapel (Unitarian) Built 1715 Ainsworth, Lancashire, ENGLAND

At the high point of Cockey Moor, which lies between Bolton and Bury, stands the Lancashire village of Ainsworth. It is in a bleak, windswept situation and the oldest of its stone buildings were built with this in mind.

One of its finest such is this ancient Chapel, originally Presbyterian but for many years now Unitarian. It stands in an extensive and picturesque graveyard alongside what was originally the main road between Bolton and Bury, but is now a potholed and often muddy track.

Built massively of local stone, which the years have weathered and mellowed, the Chapel stands square and ivy-clad, with mullioned windows and a neat little porch. Inside, the many windows make the interior light and airy. Quaint box pews cluster around the fine, oak two-decker pulpit with its splendid brass candelabra.

A large gallery runs round three of the four walls, again with boxed pews, and to one side is the organ and choir stalls. There is seating for a congregation of 350 people! Although the Chapel has many interesting details, it is the overall impression of ancient tranquility which strikes visitors powerfully.