History

The Anderton Family, of Euxton Hall, are probably one of the most important Catholic families in English history. Through direct descendants of King Edward III, they were once tenth in line to the throne.

1850

When William Michael Ince Anderton succeeded to the family estate, about the time of his marriage to the Lady Emma Frances Plunkett, daughter of Arthur, ninth Earl of Fingall, in 1850, he embarked on his own ‘grand designs’ for Euxton Hall and park. Already a large country house built in 1739 by his great-grandfather, William Anderton, he set about enlarging and beautifying the 18th century mansion, including commissioning the design of a most elegant private gothic chapel to be built within the grounds. Euxton Hall Chapel was built in 1866, and specially designed by the renowned Victorian architect E.W. Pugin.

Click here for the Gazetteer of the works of E.W. Pugin 1834–1875

An inscription on the west front wall of the chapel, written in latin, reads ‘To the Glory of God through the Invocation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, William Ince Anderton and his wife Lady Emma Anderton erected this Chapel. 15th August 1866’.

Two months later Lady Emma died (14th October), aged only forty years. In memoriam, the beautiful and richly stained glass window that is a main feature of the chapel, was added to at the time and depicts Lady Emma Anderton kneeling at prayer.

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1927

On September 28th 1927, Euxton Hall, together with the Chapel, was sold at auction to Peter Reid. Mr Reid died in 1949, and in 1950 Sir Stanley Bell became the new owner. Since 1926 the chapel had been used primarily as a food store. However, the Chapel found a special place in the hearts of both Sir Stanley and his wife, Lady Bell, and they spent much time, money and effort on restoration and maintenance. The stained glass window in particular, considered to be an original work of art, owed its conservation and restoration to the diligence of lady Bell. It had been removed and installed in Liverpool Cathedral, but in the 1950’s it was brought back to its rightful place. A weekly service was also held, and the chapel’s centenary was celebrated in 1966.

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1982

In 1982, Euxton Hall was bought by a private hospital company from the trustees of the late Sir Stanley Bell. On the 24th July,1982, the Chapel, which was to remain unused by the hospital, had all its relics and contents removed. At noon, a de-consecration service was carried out by Father Daniel Cadogan, as he removed the martyr’s relics from the altar table. All the contents, including the Stations of the Cross, a Crucifix and Church pews were given to the nearby Church of St Mary’s for safekeeping. The Chapel was subsequently purchased by one of the hospital’s retiring doctors, who had good intentions. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, it remained empty and fell derelict for over two decades.

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2003

By 2003, the chapel was in a very sorry state. Externally, high trees, creepers, bushes and weeds shrouded the building from view and sunlight. All windows, except the main stain glass window, had been smashed out, the frames having rotted away years ago. Although protected from the outside by rusting mesh, the main stained glass window had been very badly damaged by vandals, who had thrown bricks at it from inside. Birds were nesting inside the chapel, having free access via windows and holes in the roof, and ivy was growing inside the building, up the walls and ceiling. Some of the doorways had started to collapse, and many of the walls had lost plaster back to the brick. The wet floor was littered with broken glass, etc.

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2004

In 2004, the chapel was acquired by Andrew Gray. He had found the derelict building by fate, fell in love with the place, and decided to do all he could to save, restore, and make the chapel beautiful again. He spent four years completely overhauling the whole building, painstakingly restoring and conserving all the original features, whilst incorporating a new complimentary living space. Working closely with the relevant authorities and conservation specialists in their field, attention to detail ensured an authenticity and quality of restoration deserved for this very special building.

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References

Hodkinson, K. (1994). ‘Euxtonburgh’.
Mawdesley, J. (2001). A brief history of St Mary’s R.C.Church, Euxton, and the Anderton family.
Hyland, G.J. (2007). Chronological Gazetteer of the works of E.W.Pugin, Architect. The Pugin Society.
The Victoria County History of Lancashire (Volume 6, p140).
Atticus (Anthony Hewitson). ‘Our Country Churches and Chapels’.

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