The Chapel

Kendal Unitarian Chapel is an independent charity. The Chapel itself is situated on Branthwaite Brow at the east end of the Market Place in the heart of the ancient town of Kendal in Cumbria. The present building replaced an earlier chapel on the Fellside, and was built in 1720 by public subscription and under the auspices of the Revd Caleb Rotheram, who guided the Chapel as minister until his death in 1752. From the beginning it appears to have been unorthodox in that it stressed religious liberty and never imposed doctrinal tests or a formal creed on its ministers or its members. This freedom to discover and walk one’s own spiritual path and to explore new ideas remains the central pillar of the Chapel’s existence.

There are two main buildings: the Chapel itself, and the Schoolroom with its ornate domed ceiling, which was built in 1882 and is available for hire. Both buildings are accessible by ramps and are linked by the Vestry.

The Chapel is affiliated to the General Assembly of the Unitarian movement and fully supports its aims and activities. It is also a member of the North and East Lancashire Unitarian Mission.