A modest early twentieth-century chapel serving a small former industrial town.

*Update: Chapel now closed and demolished*

Askam-in-Furness owes its existence to H.W. Schneider’s discovery in 1850 of the country’s second largest iron ore deposit. Furnaces were established in 1864, and smelting began in 1867. Terraced houses were created for the workers. The mine closed in 1918, and the industrial buildings were demolished in 1933.

Askam has two churches, one Methodist and one Catholic, reflecting the social background of those who came to work here. At first Catholics worshipped in a prefabricated hit. The building now used as the Catholic church was built as a Nonconformist chapel or hall in 1907 (datestone on front gable). It was dedicated to use as a Catholic chapel-of-ease by the Rt. Rev. T.B. Pearson, Auxiliary Bishop of Lancaster, in May 1960 (Morecambe Visitor, 25 May 1960). It is a modest building with red sandstone facing to the front façade, otherwise faced in pebbledash. Small gabled porch. Rectangular headed windows containing stained glass. Interior not inspected.

Entry amended by AHP 6.10.2025

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