Mapping Methodism – Tregarthen (Batreva) Bible Christian Chapel (Near Ludgvan)

(Map: Cornwall Heritage Gateway)

Tregarthen is to the west of Marazion. This profile of Tregarthen Bible Christian Chapel has been compiled by Jo Lewis and Tony Mansell.

 

From the Long Rock roundabout, make your way north via Varfell Lane to Tregarthen. The Chapel was on the south side of the road and side by side maps place it at the site of a dilapidated building, which is likely the old chapel. Genuki notes a chapel at Batreva (Batrava) which is likely the same.

Kelly’s Directory (1893) notes a Bible Christian Chapel here.

Bible Christian Chapel is recorded at this location NW of Varfell on the 1st and 2nd Edition 1:2500 OS map c1880 and c1907. It is a single storey building, originally with a pitch roof. The entrance is on the NE elevation, with a window either side of the central door. Granite walls with brick arch lintels over the windows. The chapel has been reused possibly as an agricultural store or vehicle shed. The NE wall has been raised using block now with a corrugated roof, the central door has been blocked up with block and the four pane sliding sash windows are covered with a translucent corrugated polyurethane sheet. The NW elevation has been breached with large sliding doors inserted and a block lean-to extension added to the SW elevation (Google Street view c2009). (Cornwall Heritage Gateway)

The Bible Christians had a chapel at Batreva. (Genuki)

 

1842: Ludgvan Bible Christian Chapel founded. Polsue says that this was at Batreva. (West Penwith Resources) Believed to be Tregarthen or Batreva)

Seating for 140. (West Penwith Resources)

1851: Thos. Leggo was preacher. (West Penwith Resources)

1878: Shown on maps.

Tregarthen Bible Christian choir event. (The Cornish Telegraph – Thursday 17 February 1881)

1887: “LUDGVAN. Tregarthen Bible Christian Chapel. On Sunday week the anniversary services of the above Chapel were commenced…” (The Cornish Telegraph – Thursday 20 October 1887)

David Easton, Methodist Minister and historian suggests that this chapel closed in the 1920s.

1930s: No longer shown on maps.