KNUTSFORD’s only Grade I listed building is celebrating its historic heritage in England’s biggest heritage festival taking part in September.

Brook Street Chapel, the town’ s oldest place of worship will open its doors to guests who want to learn more about its rich past.

Closely associated with renowned author and Knutsford treasure, Elizabeth Gaskell, the chapel contains ‘The Gaskell Room’ which features many informative panels about her life and artefacts donated by local people.

Elizabeth and her husband William Gaskell and two of their daughters are now buried in the chapel’s graveyard as well s other members of her family.

Minister Jean Bradley, said: “We hope lots of local people will come and explore the Chapel, Chapel Rooms and our lovely tranquil garden and discover the wonderful heritage on offer.”

The Unitarian Brook Street Chapel was built in 1687 after James II passed the Declaration of Indulgence which made it legal for dissenters to appoint their own preachers.

Isaac Antrobus, a Knutsford tanner and life long dissenter, donated the land to build a chapel and a small burial ground.

The Chapel was built so that it was inconspicuous and resembled a private house or farm building because the dissenters had a very real fear that the right to public worship and freedom from prosecution could be withdrawn - it is said that lookouts were posted by the outside steps to the galleries in case of attack.

"It's very easy to forget the heritage that is on our doorstep," said Jean. "So the Heritage Open Days gives people the opportunity to discover the often hidden or forgotten gems on our doorstep."

The Chapel will be open to visitors on Thursday September 10 and Friday 11 from 10.30am to 3.30pm, Saturday September 12 from 10.00am to 3.30pm and on Sunday September 13 from 1pm to 3.30pm. Visitors are also welcome to attend the Sunday Service at 11.00am.

For more information about the open days visit www.heritageopendays.org.uk