Wigan Building Preservation Trust is forming a Friends Group to support the restoration of the neglected Ince Cemetery Chapels, the first public works of the renowned Victorian architect Alfred Waterhouse This project is more than a restoration — it’s a journey into the rich history of Ince and its heritage. Celebrating the past can help shape a vibrant future for the Chapels and we would love you to be part of it.

About our Project

About our Project

An overview of the project to investigate the restoration of the Chapels at Ince Cemetery, designed by the eminent Victorian architect, Alfred Waterhouse in 1855.

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Newsletter - Summer 2025

Newsletter - Summer 2025

This newsletter highlights key developments, ongoing collaborations, and upcoming events that celebrate Ince’s rich heritage and the unique legacy of Alfred Waterhouse and his chapels.

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2025 - Heritage Open Days

2025 - Heritage Open Days

Friends of Waterhouse Chapels invite you to a couple of Ince Tours, Ince Heritage Tour and Ince Cemetery Tour, to celebrate Heritage Open Days.

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Join Us

Join Us

Joining the Friends group means helping to preserve a key asset of the heritage of Ince. Friends will receive regular updates to heritage talks and guided tours.

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History of the Chapels

History of the Chapels

A brief article describing the original reasons for building the chapels and the appointment of Alfred Waterhouse as architect and the costs, plus the evolution of churches in Ince.

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Chapels Video

Chapels Video

Drone footage with commentary on the history of the Chapels

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Alfred Waterhouse - A Letter across Time.

Alfred Waterhouse - A Letter across Time.

Few realise that his first public commission came not in a great city, but in the quiet township of Ince-in-Makerfield. ​In this spirit, we imagine what Alfred Waterhouse might say if he could see his first public buildings as they are today — and what hopes he might hold for their future.

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History of Ince - Lots more articles and resources

History of Ince - Lots more articles and resources

Lots of articles and resources from our volunteers and friends, charting some of the history of Ince

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Cemetery Index

Cemetery Index

Find your relatives buried in the Cemetery

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Work with Manchester School of Architecture.

Work with Manchester School of Architecture.

The Manchester School of Architecture contributed to the Waterhouse Chapels project through its MSA Live programme, where students were actively involved in researching and articulating possible programme opportunities for the site.

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Old Ince Maps

Old Ince Maps

View old maps of Higher & Lower Ince from 1849 to 1948.

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1968 - Ince Directory

1968 - Ince Directory

Find your family, and neighbours from this comprehensive list of Ince streets in 1968.

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