Crofthandy is a hamlet in the parish of Gwennap. Its Wesleyan Chapel was built in 1840. This profile has been compiled by Jo Lewis and Tony Mansell using information provided by Barrie May of Carharrack.
Small Wesleyan wayside chapel. Granite rubble with granite dressings; dry slate roof. Vernacular with gable ends, possibly original sashes with some glazing bars removed, small pedimented porch at front end. Good example. Listed in Stell (b1). (Cornwall Council Gateway Heritage)
From Twelveheads, make your way west to Crofthandy via Hale Mills, coming into the village via Higher Goongumpas Lane. As the lane meets the main road through the village, the tiny chapel can be seen on the corner at the junction with Chapel Lane.
1844: Crofthandy Wesleyan Chapel built. (Cornwall Council Gateway Heritage)
Built as a Wesleyan chapel. (SWChurches)
1852: Crofthandy Wesleyan Sunday School: “The Sunday school, 205 in number, were regaled with cake and tea. The children assembled at the school room and with Mr Emidy’s Brass Band [Truro] with flags and banners, perambulated the different villages in the neighbourhood. The weather being fine, …” (25 June 1852 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)
We have found no evidence of a Primitive Methodist Chapel at Crofthandy and until any is discovered the next two reports are assumed to apply to St Day.
1890: “Crofthandy Primitive Tea Treat. On Monday the Crofthandy Primitive Methodist school [tea-treat was held in a field near the chapel. The Hungarian Band was in attendance. In the evening games were indulged in.” (Cornubian and Redruth Times – Friday 20 June 1890)
1891: “This week we have to record the death of an old Primitive – Mr. Melchisidec Kinsman, of Crofthandy. The deceased was the oldest member of the Primitive Methodists here, having done yeoman service in the cause for about 50 years. He was a class leader up to nearly the time of his death, and there are many living who can testify to the many happy time, experienced while with him. The society has lost a devout Christian and a willing worker.” (Royal Cornwall Gazette – Thursday 23 April 1891)
1901: The outside of Crofthandy chapel is being renovated in readiness for the Feast services, which will be conducted by the Rev J. Bray.” (Cornubian and Redruth Times – Friday 14 June 1901)
1900-1908: Accounts, Sunday School, Crofthandy Wesleyan Chapel, Gwennap. (Kresen Kernow MRR/3083)
10 Apr 1909: Rent demand, Crofthandy Wesleyan Chapel, Gwennap. Demand to chapel trustees from Messrs Smith, Paul and Sitwell, solicitors and executors of Richard Harvey, deceased. Year’s rent for 1908 due to Cusgarne Manor. Chapel not named but demand bears name of J S Letcher so assumed to be Chapel. (Kresen Kernow MRR/1620)
Crofthandy Chapel 1910 (Photo: Paddy Bradley / courtesy Barry West – Cornish Methodists and other non-conforming chapels in Cornwall)
1911-1912: Bill of costs, conveyance Crofthandy Wesleyan Chapel, Gwennap. Bill of costs from F C Polglase, solicitor, to the Reverend John Broad, for conveyance of chapel. (Kresen Kernow MRR/1616)
1916: “Harmonium Player wanted for “Crofthandy Chapel, on 30th June. 1916. Apply Thomas Treverton, Poldice, Kt. Day, Scorrier.” (West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser – Thursday 01 June 1916)
1911-1928: Trust minutes, Crofthandy Wesleyan Chapel, Gwennap. (Kresen Kernow MRR/3084)
1932: The Wesleyan, Primitive Methodist and the United Methodist Church amalgamated to become the Methodist Church of Great Britain.
1932: Became Crofthandy Methodist Church.
Part of Redruth Methodist Circuit and Gwennap parish.
18 Jan 1945: Notice of grant, roof repairs, Crofthandy Methodist Church, Gwennap. Grant of £10 received from Wesleyan Chapel Committee, towards cost of £85. (Kresen Kernow MRR/1618)
21 Feb 1946: Letter, grant, roof repairs, Crofthandy Methodist Church, Gwennap. Letter accompanying cheque for £10, grant towards roof repairs. Kresen Kernow MRR/1619)
1948: The Crofthandy Methodist Sunday School tea treat in 1948 was led by officers carrying the school banner. With Carharrack and St Day Silver Band providing the music, the procession paraded the streets of St Day and returned to a field lent by Mr M Martin. (Cornishman 8th July 1948)
Circa 2014: Crofthandy Methodist Chapel closed.
Now a dwelling
Crofthandy Methodist Chapel (Photo: Jo Lewis)
Crofthandy Methodist Chapel (Photo: Jo Lewis)