This chapel is said to be the oldest Non-Conformist Chapel in England, built in the late 16th or early 17th century as the domestic chapel of Dukinfield Hall. In 1872 an extension, in the form of a large transept, was opened on the west side for use as a Congregational Chapel. Further alterations were made in 1891/93 designed by the architects Worthington and Elgood of Manchester. In the 20th century the transept became unused and dilapidated and in 1978 it was severely damaged by a fire that spread to the original chapel. The transept was then demolished leaving only the remains of the original chapel still standing. These remains were so poor that Historic England funded an archaeological recording exercise. The chapel is listed Grade II*, List Entry No. 1356422, and it is on the Heritage at Risk Register.

Old Hall Chapel, early 20th century.

View looking south from Old Hall St. The chimney on the right belongs to Old Hall Mill.

Old Hall Chapel, early 20th century.

Old Hall Chapel, early 1970s.

Old Hall Chapel on the right with the larger Congregational Chapel in the background, early 1970s.

Entrance to the Congregational Chapel, early 1970s.

Remains of Old Hall Chapel.

George Fox, the 17th century English dissenter

George Fox.

George Fox (1624-1691) was a primary founder of the Religious Society of Friends, usually known as Quakers, who campaigned against religious and political authorities by proposing an unusual, uncompromising approach to the Christian faith. In 1647 he visited Dukinfield Old Hall Chapel and it was here that he delivered his inaugural sermon. As a dissenting preacher, he travelled throughout Britain and performed hundreds of sermons. The following is an extract from his autobiography:

Passing on, I went among the professors at Duckingfield [sic] and Manchester, where I stayed awhile, and declared truth among them.