Wesleyan Methodist Chapel

Methodist Church/Chapel | Urban Exploring

The first known Methodist chapel in this little village was built in 1810, but by 1874 it was decided that a bigger chapel was needed, and plans were drawn up by architects J Moxen and Son of Barnsley. The foundation stone was laid in April 1876, with the official opening reportedly in October 1877. The chapel was described as built of pressed brick with stone dressings in an Italianate style with a Welsh slate roof. The building cost £3,800 to construct. It could accommodate 500 people and worshippers.

Where the ground sloped down from the road, a large schoolroom and two classrooms were able to be built beneath. In 1878, a balcony organ was added, which was rebuilt and enlarged in 1912. It has since been removed.

As funding decreased, the chapel stopped being used for services in 2009. Full planning consent was granted by the Council on 30th January 2018 for

“Conversion of the existing chapel to five flats”

As of 2021, these plans have yet to commence and the chapel remains derelict.

The actual explore is literally just down the road from me, and as I’ve never got around to actually visiting it; now was the opportunity.

With a massive gaping hole in the side of the building it was quite a laid back, easy explore. It is with a degree of sadness that the building is no longer a part of the community. Hopefully, the conversion to flats will be tastefully processed and the beautiful stained windows will be resurrected somewhere else.

Simon