Croft Unitarian Chapel Images
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These two images contain what looks like the same unknown gentleman and both have the same torn poster pasted to the chapel wall. They must have been taken at the same time. By looking at the graves we know it was after 1890 but definitely pre-war. The first was an original kindly given to me by Mrs. Orrell, a local lady. The other is from Wigan and Leigh Archives.
This is the only photograph I know of that is taken from this side of the chapel. Where the photographer is standing in the field is now one of many houses and gardens surrounding the chapelyard.
You can see at the bottom right that there is a small outbuilding, perhaps a stable, privvy or just extra storage space. It is marked on some maps, but not on others, which could be because it was felt to be irrelevant by the map maker or because it wasn't there. It is on the maps of 1897, 1907 and 1910, but not on the 1894, 1908, 1946 or 1960 maps. There are no written records that mention an outbuilding. When clearing that area, I found one of the decorative tiles you can make out along the top of the roof along with large pieces of slate and a very heavy stone tile.
(Image courtesy of the Yates Family)
You can see at the bottom right that there is a small outbuilding, perhaps a stable, privvy or just extra storage space. It is marked on some maps, but not on others, which could be because it was felt to be irrelevant by the map maker or because it wasn't there. It is on the maps of 1897, 1907 and 1910, but not on the 1894, 1908, 1946 or 1960 maps. There are no written records that mention an outbuilding. When clearing that area, I found one of the decorative tiles you can make out along the top of the roof along with large pieces of slate and a very heavy stone tile.
(Image courtesy of the Yates Family)
Ellen Yates' Grandaughter Fanny Roberts (nee Yates) is centre and Fanny's daughter Ethel Gillat (nee Roberts) on the right. The lady on the left is unknown. They are stood on the steps outside the front door to the chapel. This must be pre 1940, as that is the year Fanny passed away.
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Ellen Yates' Great Grandaughter Ethel outside the chapel in 1948. The original, sturdy wall is still intact here and the old style street sign stands proud for Lady Lane.
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Both images are courtesy of the Yates family
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This is the familiar view of the chapel from Lady Lane. This particular image is a postcard and is from velvethumingbee.com, where Rev. David Steers estimates the date to be around 1910, which I agree with, based on the only real evidence available, which are the graves.
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Croft Unitarian Chapel around 1910
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Image from the Commonwealth War Graves Commision
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This is an extract from a 'Graves Registration Report Form'. It is a hand drawn sketch of the chapelyard showing the location of the grave for Rifleman Harold Houghton (Grave C1) and his comrade Private George Daintith. It clearly shows the path which used to run from the field entrance to join the main walkway.
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A modern view of the entrance to the burial ground taken in 2021
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The entrance to Croft Unitarian Chapel in 2021
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Croft Unitarian Chapel Burial Ground taken in 1993
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The burial ground, photographed in 1993. You can see the remains of the original wall on the left.
Photo courtesy of Lawrence Daintith. |
