The Independent Chapel is a handsome, lofty, and commodious edifice of brick, fronted with free stone, and ornamented with a portico supported with pillars of the doric order; the whole has a chastened and beautiful appearance. It was built in 1846, and cost upwards of £2,000. The interior fittings are neat and appropriate, and there is accommodation for more than 500 hearers. The structure stands partly on the site of a former edifice, which was erected in the year 1796. There is a respectable and increasing congregation, under the pastoral care of the Rev. William Tiler. In connection with the chapel there is a flourishing Sunday school.
The Unitarian Chapel is now being enlarged and remodelled. A previous chapel was built here by the congregation under the pastoral care of the Rev. Phillip Henry, of Broad Oak, father of Matthew Henry, the celebrated commentator. This chapel was the place of sepulchre of many of the descendants and friends of the pious Henry’s—the Benyons, and others. The British School, formerly the Unitarian chapel, is under the management and inspection of the dissenting bodies in this place. It was endowed by Thomas Benyon, in 1707, a particular account of which will be found in general account of charities of this parish, noticed with the town of Whitchurch. The property devised by Mr. Benyon produced £50 per annum when the charity commissioners published their report; out of the income, however, he bequeathed 40s. per annum to the Presbyterian minister. About 140 children attend the school. It is also used as a Sunday school, and numerously attended; Mr. and Mrs. Sandland are the teachers.
The National School is a commodious structure, situate within the bounds of this township, measuring sixty feet by thirty feet, and will accommodate 300 scholars; the average attendance is about 150. It is supported by subscriptions and donations, and a charge of one penny per week from each scholar. The income is about £60 per annum. There are three government pupils placed here as teachers. Charles Frederick Bird is the master. The Girls’ National School, in Clay pit street, has an attendance of 85 scholars. The above are also used as Sunday schools, and numerously attended. There is a Parochial Lending Library in the national school, which contains a considerable number of valuable and instructive publications. It was established for the benefit of the humbler members of society, to whom the books are lent without any payment. Moss Field House is a commodious structure of brick, with projecting gables, and a noble portico of free stone supported by massive pillars. The pleasure grounds and shrubberies are extensive, and laid out with great taste, and the park-like grounds and beautiful scenery add much to the interest of the place. Messrs. Lee and Brookes are stewards of the courts leet and baron, which are held for the manor. A branch of the Ellesmere and Chester canal intersects this township, and terminates near to New-street.
Andrews Thomas, gentleman
Arrowsmith Rev. Aaron
Baxter Jane, milliner, Bark hill
Bayley William, gentleman, The Nursery
Benson Mrs. Mary
Bird Charles Frederick, schoolmaster
Boughey Joseph, farmer, Blackoe