Extract from the Evangelical Magazine, 1839:
The religious interest at Marple-bridge, no doubt, had its origin in tbe passing of the Act of Uniformity (1662), though the present minister and his friends regret that no very ancient official documents have been preserved decidedly to prove the fact. From the testimony of many ancient families in the neighbourhood, as well as the remains of two old buildings formerly employed as houses of prayer, by the earlier friends of his cause; the last, used of which was Abandoned for the present chapel fifty years ago; there is no doubt but this interest is of very early origin. The pastorate at Marple-bridge was resigned about three years ago, by the Rev. Joseph Battley.