Former chapel with links to Oliver Cromwell in Derbyshire Dales to go up for auction

A former chapel in the heart of the Derbyshire Dales will go under the hammer next year.

The former Congregational Chapel in Middleton, near Matlock, is being put up for auction in January 2024.

The early 19th-century building has been given a guide price of £175,000 by Sheffield-based auction house Mark Jenkinson, which will include the property in its online auction next year.

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With two large rooms – the former church nave and school room - as well as a kitchen, cloakroom, and toilets, the L-shaped, stone-built property is situated on a 0.35 acre site.

The 2,500 sq ft building was a place of worship for the Congregational Church, which traced its roots back to the 16th century and was associated with Oliver Cromwell.

Adrian Little, director at auctioneer Mark Jenkinson, said: “The chapel is a landmark property in a sought-after village on the fringes of the Peak District National Park so this is quite a rare opportunity to purchase an unusual historic building in a fantastic location.”

He added: “Middleton itself is a stone’s throw from the market town of Wirksworth and close to excellent facilities in Matlock, as well as being on the doorstep of the Peak District and the popular High Peak Cycle Trail.

“While there is no planning consent for change of use for the building in place currently, there are several creative options, from residential to business use, that, subject to gaining the relevant planning permissions, would enable a buyer to realise the huge potential of the former chapel and reinstate it as an asset to the village.”

 Mark Jenkinson’s monthly property auctions, which include the Middleton Congregational chapel in the 31 January sale and have new lots added daily, are at www.markjenkinson.co.uk