Mapping Methodism: Profiling the Heritage of Cornish Chapels

Christianity and place have been closely connected in Cornwall since the middle decades of the eighteenth century through the rich heritage of Methodism. It is a connection that is still symbolised today by the physical presence of town and village chapels and Cornish Story is now working in partnership with both the Methodist Church and the Federation of Old Cornwall Societies to create a series of profiles of both existing and former religious sites.

Entitled ‘Mapping Methodism’, the project team led by Garry Tregidga and Tony Mansell would like to hear from volunteer researchers who would be interested in the study of chapels and other related sites (e.g. outdoor preaching pits) at the local level. The immediate task is to create a series of historical timelines on individual sites with relating information on any books, films or other media. A template will be provided along with advice on researching the subject. The aim would then be to disseminate this information through digital platforms and use this project as a catalyst for further research in relation to the Methodist heritage of Cornwall.

Karin Easton, President of the Federation of Old Cornwall Societies said:

‘Mapping Methodism is an ideal project for Old Cornwall Societies to become involved with. The information resulting from the project so clearly matches the Old Cornwall Societies motto of “Gather ye fragments that are left that nothing be lost” “Kyntelleugh an brewyon es gesys, na vo kellys travyth”. There are over forty societies all across Cornwall making them ideal partners to assist with researching the connections with Methodism in their area. Uploading the research on to the Kernow Goth/Old Cornwall website will make it all available for future researchers worldwide’.

Patrick Reynolds, District Property Secretary for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Methodist District, said that:

‘The Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Methodist District is delighted to be in partnership with Cornish Story and the Federation of Old Cornwall Societies for this exciting and much needed project, It is planned as the first phase of a wider project to discover and explore the continuing story of Methodism within Cornwall. The participation and involvement of volunteer researchers will provide a unique opportunity for local communities to explore and record their links with Methodism, and to better understand how these frequently extensive links have developed and evolved through time.’

For a copy of the template go to this link on the Old Cornwall website –

Mapping Methodism – Profiling the Heritage of Cornish Chapels

Submissions in digital form should be emailed to mappingmethodism@gmail.com for collation. Further information on the project can also be obtained from the same email address.