AN historic chapel in Hindley is to go under the hammer at the next Pugh property auction, which will be held online later this month.
The Unitarian chapel in the centre of Hindley was originally constructed as a Presbyterian place of worship in 1698, with an extension to the building added in the 19th century.
With a floorspace of more than 4,600 sq ft, the chapel features a treasure trove of unique original features, including in upper gallery, stained glass windows dedicated to Hindley families, fireplaces, a dark wooden pulpit and pews.
There is also a church organ featuring a memorial to local men killed in two world wars.
Pugh has given the two-storey chapel, which stands on a 0.2-acre site, a guide price of £68,000.
Unitarianism was one of the many radical religious movements of the 17th and 18th centuries that dissented from the Church of England.
Its members included Mary Wollstonecraft, Joseph Priestley and Thomas Jefferson.
Paul Parker, associate director at Pugh, said: “This amazing historic building has been an important part of the fabric of Hindley for over three centuries.
"There are all sorts of potential new uses for the chapel in the hands of an imaginative new owner and we are already seeing some interest from investors.
"We look forward to seeing what the next chapter holds for this unique property if it is sold at auction.”
Bidding on the former chapel, and the other lots in Pugh’s online auction, opens on February 22 and closes the following day
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here