Chapel is on Roundheads v Cavaliers battle site

Taken some years ago by my good friend, genial George Scarborough, this evocative picture captures so well the aesthetic symmetry of this splendid structure.

Built in 1860, it was a flagship building, which was consecrated along with 11 acres, two roods and 10 perches of land by Dr Lee, the Bishop of Manchester, on September 7th that year.

The cemetery grounds are known as “King’s Field”, for it was here on June 25th, 1644, a battle took place between the Roundheads and Cavaliers. The skirmish saw the Parliamentarians (Roundheads) with forces of 300 horses and 100 dragoons (Cavalrymen) who were well beaten by the Royalists (Cavaliers), hence the name to this day of “King’s Field”, from that very victory centuries ago by the Royalists supporting King Charles I.