Mary Anne Rawson

Upper Wincobank Chapel is a testament to the dedication of Mary Anne Rawson of Wincobank Hall. Like her parents Joseph and Elizabeth Read she was an ardent campaigner, committed to improving conditions for the poor and disadvantaged around the world. She was a determined campaigner for many humanitarian causes including the universal abolition of slavery. She was at the first meeting, in 1840, of the organisation known today as Anti-Slavery International.

This indominatable lady raised the funding, and sold her silverware, to provide a school for the children of local workers which opened in 1841. Several years later they raised enough funds by public subscription to build a neighbouring house that "would attract a good School Master". In 1852 Mary Anne Rawson established a Charitable Trust to ensure that the buildings would pass into the hands of the community so that the missionary and educational work could continue.

Thanks to the commitment of volunteers the chapel has stayed open to this present day. The present trustees are all members of the local community. Over the years thousands of children, young people and adults have taken part in a host of different activities. Many still remember the joyous times at the Sunday school, youth clubs and in the concert hall.

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