Chadkirk Chapel & Estate
Chadkirk Chapel & Estate, Stockport
Chadkirk Chapel in the Goyt Valley near Romiley, Stockport is a disused church that may date back to a very early part of England's history.
The chapel we see today is a Grade II Listed Building and the oldest parts of the restored building, the timber framed north and east walls, go back to the 16th century.
History
The church is named after Chad, an English priest and later saint active in the 7th century. Legend has it that Chad stayed for a time at a small, monastic cell where the present church now stands.
Early in the 18th century the church fell into disrepair and passed through several owners. At some stage it even seems to have been used as a cattle stable. However in the mid-18th century the building was restored. The bell cote was added in 1750 and a gallery a decade later.
By mid-19th century the chapel was again in disrepair and once again renovated until services finally ended in 1920.
Purchased by the local authorities a new slate roof was added in the 1970's.
With the help of EU and local funding in the 1990's new restoration work began on the chapel. The carved oak panelling showing the life of St. Chad and the metal Tree of Life and altarpieces are by British artist Ben Coode-Adams and were part of the renewal project.
In addition, Liverpool-born sculptor, Tom Dagnall produced the sandstone statue of St. Chad and the altar.
The church has a nave and a chancel under one roof.
Garden
The walled garden was also restored in 2002 with funding from the national lottery.
The old walls were demolished and remade with recovered brick.
The lovely garden now contains over 30 fruit trees, herb beds with lavender in the centre, along with a modern sundial.
Benches scattered here and there allow visitors to relax in this pleasant, natural space.
Bee hives were also introduced in 2005.
The larger grounds around the chapel also contain St. Chad's Well. This is fed by a stream and probably dates from the 18th or 19th centuries. The well is contained in a restored sandstone well house. The well is "dressed" in a traditional, local festival each July.
Chadkirk Estate
The Chadkirk Country Estate is a local nature reserve around the chapel. It is bordered by the River Goyt and the Peak Forest Canal.
The area is home to many birds and several species of wild animals.
Follow the Chadkirk Trail to experience the area which takes in parts of the Goyt Valley.
Access - Getting to Chadkirk Chapel
Vale Road, Romiley
Stockport SK6 3LB
Tel: 0161 474 4444
Opening times vary according to the season.
From 1 April to 31 October: Saturday: 1 pm to 5 pm; Sunday: 1 pm to 5 pm
Bank holidays: 1 pm to 5 pm
From 1 November to 31 March: Saturday: 1 pm to 4 pm Sunday: 1 pm to 4 pm
Chadkirk Estate is open 24/7.
Admission
Free
Transport Details
The chapel is a 15 minute drive from Stockport Station.
From Manchester Airport journey time is around 25 minutes depending on traffic.
The 384 from Stockport bus station goes to Romiley train station. From here it is a 9 minute walk. Trains from Romiley Station go north to Manchester Piccadilly and south to Marple, New Mills Central with occasional trains through to Sheffield.
Chadkirk Chapel makes for an easy day trip from both nearby Stockport and Manchester.
Nearby
Chatsworth House and its large gardens are an hour's drive away.
Lyme Hall is just 20 minutes or so by car.
Map of Stockport
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