Englesea Brook Chapel and Museum

 The name ‘Primitive Methodists’ was first used in 1812 as it reflected a choice to follow the earlier, purer form of Methodism started by John Wesley in 1739.  This included open air worship and women preachers. In 1932, the Primitive Methodists joined the Wesleyan and United Methodists in an Act of Union. Today we are all part of The Methodist Church in Britain.
 
In Englesea Brook, preaching began in 1811, in the cottage of Sarah Smith, a farm labourer’s wife.  A Primitive Methodist society was formed, and continued to meet in people’s homes. A chapel was built in 1828 but was soon found to be too small. Box pews in the gallery date from 1832, when the front was extended by seven feet. It was built to look like a house. The atmosphere inside was homely and informal. There are still coat hooks on the walls, and a foot scraper by the door!
 
Originally people sat on benches. During the 1880s and 90s the pulpit, pews and communion rail seen today replaced the earlier simple style. The chapel is a Grade Two Listed Building.  It closed as a regular place of worship in the late 1970s.  Services called ‘Heritage Services’ take place each month. The next one is a Pet Service on 15 June at 3.00pm.
 
Hugh Bourne (1772-1852), one of the founders of Primitive Methodism is buried in the graveyard, along with other Primitive Methodist pioneers. There are 420 people buried there. Many of them never had a gravestone, as they were too poor, or they were very young children. It opened in 1842 on land belonging to Hugh and Mary Harding. Their son-in-law, John Dean, died in 1841 and is buried in the chapel. It is very rare to see a grave in a Methodist church. Why not visit and ask one of the staff or volunteers to tell you the story!
 
There is an amazing museum on site too, full literally to the rafters with artefacts. The chapel website suggests a visit lasting one to two hours. We can confirm this to be true, especially if you are able to view the newly-built depository. We now know why Methodists loved and still love tea considering the collection of teapots! The volunteers are friendly and knowledgeable, plus there is a welcome bonus of a cup of tea and a slice of home-made cake at the end.
 
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