Mousehole is a village and fishing port 2.5 miles (4 km) south of Penzance on the shore of Mount’s Bay. Jo Lewis and Tony Mansell have compiled this profile of Mousehole Wesleyan Chapel.
John Wesley first came to Mousehole in 1766, then in 1782 and finally in 1785 when he writes in his journal, “About nine I preached at Mousehole, where there is now one of the liveliest societies in Cornwall”.
There were chapels in Mousehole for the Wesleyans and the Bible Christians. (Genuki)
Nonconformist (Wesleyan) chapel. Founded 1784, enlarged 1814, internally remodelled 1844, refenestrated late C19 and early C20, exterior rendered probably 1905. MATERIALS: rubble walls with unpainted render or stucco with moulded detail and rustication to ground floor; dry slate roof with widely spaced eaves modillions. PLAN: ritual E end to south, with pulpit and organ loft linked to horseshoe-plan gallery, entrance front to N and entrance hall flanked by staircases. 2-storey elevations with semi-circular arched windows with coloured leaded glazing. Moulded plinth, mid-floor entablature, fluted pilasters to 1st-floor windows, moulded impost string and moulded archivolts. Symmetrical 3-bay entrance front has wide central doorway with leaded spoked fanlight over pair of panelled doors. 4-bay side elevations. Small porch in angle with organ loft to south elevation. INTERIOR: complete and fine interior of c1834. Complete set of seating with grained box pews and horseshoe gallery carried on slender columns with stylised Ionic capitals, the panelled gallery front projecting on brackets to a dentilled cornice. Straight-flight stairs with fret-cut brackets and arched balustrade flank pulpit with bowed and panelled front flanked by rococo-style metal grills above fluted Doric columns to base. Paired and fluted Ionic columns support beams framing organ loft behind pulpit. Moulded cornice throughout and large ceiling roses with acanthus detail. GLASS: fine late C19 and early C20 patterned stained glass including the figures of Wesley, Bunyan and Wycliffe. MEMORIALS include World War 1 tablet by Snell and commemorative corner to the lost Penlee lifeboat and her crew. This chapel has an unusually fine and complete c1844 interior and fittings. Listing NGR: SW4687126178 (Historic England)
Early Preaching Locations
A private house adjoining the Old Standard was occasionally used worship. (Cornishman – Thursday 28 September 1944)
1764: A net loft was set apart for worship by the Wesleyan Methodists of Mousehole. (Cornishman – Thursday 28 September 1944) This may have been to the east of St Clement Street but its exact location is not known. It seems likely to have been in a terrace with little room for expansion.
Early 1770s: The Methodist society at Mousehole had barely twenty members.
1783 Chapel
Located in Chapel street.
1783: Build date. (Cornwall Heritage Gateway)
The 40ft x 26ft chapel stood on the remains of an old dog-kennel. (Cornishman – Thursday 28 September 1944)
Seating for 691. (West Penwith Resources)
1784: The Wesleyan Society started in Mousehole. (SWChurches) It would seem that the Wesleyans were active prior to this so this probably relates to the building of their first chapel.
1813/1814: Greatly enlarged to accommodate increasing congregations.
1813: Fourteen feet added to its width and was made a square building with a gallery at each end. (Cornishman – Thursday 28 September 1944)
1820: A missionary auxiliary at Mousehole.
1833 Chapel
Fairly large Wesleyan chapel. Present chapel built 1833 on site of 1783 chapel and its fittings likely to be 1833 or 1844 plus some remodelling and refitting in 1905 and 1914. Stucco (cement render) with stucco type detail; hipped roof on moulded eaves brackets. Classical style; galleried auditorium plus narrower apse/organ loft . Features include high rusticated plinth with moulded coping, rusticated ground floor, moulded mid-floor entablature and moulded impost string to pilastered 1st-floor windows, all round-arched openings; 1905 glazing including leaded spoked fanlight over original panelled doors; 3-bay front, 4-bay sides. Fine and rare early interior with gallery front on brackets and grained 1833 box pews. Listed in Stell (b1). (Heritage Gateway)
1832: The Chapel was enlarged when the old thick wall at the back, formerly part of the dog kennel, was retained. (Cornishman – Thursday 28 September 1944)
It holds about 400 people. (Cornishman – Thursday 28 September 1944)
1833: Build date. (Cornwall Heritage Gateway)
1833: The chapel was rebuilt on the site of the 1783 chapel, to accommodate those who came in the 1832 revival.
1847: A breakaway group formed the Wesleyan Teetotal / Association moving to the Duck Street Chapel.
1851: Abraham Wright, steward. (West Penwith Resources)
A day school is recorded on the 1st Edition 1:2500 1880 OS map at this location in Mousehole. Recorded in the 1853 Slater’s Directory as a Wesleyan Day School. By 1930 the school had moved up the road to two new buildings (b1). Heritage Gateway. This was located almost opposite the Mousehole Teetotal Methodist Chapel.
1873: Survey reports 672 seats. (West Penwith Resources)
Plaque on church shows dates of revival.
1880: The chapel cleaned and painted. (The Cornish Telegraph – Wednesday 04 August 1880)
A story which underlines the decision by Sunday schools to hold separate events comes from Cedric Appleby and suggests that rivalry between the different chapels seems to have been carried to extraordinary lengths. It concerns the children of the Zion United Methodist Church at Mousehole who went out collecting snails before the Wesleyan tea treat in the belief that this practice would cause it to rain and spoil the Wesleyans’ day. Cedric said, “You could be quite sure that the Wesleyans were doing the same for the United Methodists”.
1893: “…children and teachers who comprise the Wesleyan and Free-church Sunday-schools of Mousehole met on Monday. The music of the Paul and Drift Bands as they paraded the town, passed along the cliffs to Newlyn, and then, by Paul-hill, reached the Grove, …” (6 July 1893 – Cornishman)
1899: MOUSEHOLE WESLEYAN CHAPEL REOPENING. The Wesleyan chapel Mousehole, which has been renovated and re-seated, was re-opened on Friday by the Rev. T. T. Lambert, a former and much-loved minister, now at Liverpool… The improvement which has been made to the building is marked and is much appreciated. The work is true, and has been in hand a good while, the excellent finish quite justifies the time spent. It can be truly said that a prettier chapel cannot be found in a long way. The steps at entrance have been taken away, and a nice wide portion of gradually ascending coloured tiling leads from the front door, near which are two large flowerpots, each with a flourishing evergreen. The lobby, too, has been much improved, having been widened. A large portion of the screen is now of beautifully coloured glass. The gallery-stairs have been widened, two new doors placed the top, and a fairly high screen to shut off the draught. The pews, too, have been made much easier and convenient for sitters: the free seats, instead of being near the entrance, are on each side of the rostrum. This change does not commend itself to a good many. A heating apparatus is another addition. The rostrum has not been removed, but underneath the font has been filled up with pretty decorated woodwork, thus bringing the Communion table more to the front. Not the least noticeable is a new costly serpentine baptismal font, which has been presented Mr. F. W Hockin. An organ-loft has been added, in which an organ is shortly to be placed… The cost of the alterations, additions, etc., is said to be more than £1000.” (Cornishman – Thursday 28 December 1899)
1903: An organ loft was built and a new organ installed. (Cornishman – Thursday 28 September 1944)
1905: Remodelled and refitted. (Cornwall Heritage Gateway)
Circa 1905: The building was pointed on the outside, stained-glass windows installed and was electricity lighted. (Cornishman – Thursday 28 September 1944) This seems early for electricity to be installed!
Circa 1905: A day-school for infants was built. (SWChurches)
(Photo: Jo Lewis)
The Sunday school building has also been used as a community hall, a GP surgery and by many groups such as the Old Cornwall Society, Archives and Mousehole Male Voice Choir.
1900-1907: Papers, building of Wesleyan Day School for infants, St Clement’s Wesleyan Chapel, Mousehole, Paul. (Kresen Kernow MRPZ/153)
1914: Remodelled and refitted. (Cornwall Heritage Gateway)
1932: The Wesleyan, Primitive Methodist and the United Methodist Church amalgamated to become the Methodist Church of Great Britain.
1932: The Wesleyan chapel became St Clement’s Methodist Church. (SWChurches)
1936: Extracts about early Methodism at Mousehole by Herbert Richards which appeared in the Cornishman – Thursday 26 November 1936. It mainly refers to the Wesleyans but other denominations receive a mention. “I have heard that long ages ago a church stood on St. Clement s Island, just off the village, and a church, which stood near the harbour, which was washed away during a severe storm… The first preaching place was in the kitchen a man whose name is forgotten, he also lodged the preachers. This man was shortly afterwards dismissed from the little society for his bad conduct, and the preachers no longer found shelter under his roof, but had to shelter elsewhere. This fallen man threatened destroy the infant church by forming another, but his several attempts came to nought. The next preaching place was a dark, disagreeable salt house, the property of a man named Martin Younger. Here they continued to hold meetings until a large room was fitted up over Peter Willis’s fish cellar. This room held about 200 worshippers, but strange to say, it received the light through paper and not glass windows. The first time it was occupied, while Mr. Crowle was preaching, suddenly the beam which supported the floor gave way, with a tremendous crash, but all the congregation got out unhurt… The damage, however, was soon repaired and preaching was continued. At another period the kitchen of a man named Jonn Harvey, a cooper, was used for preaching in. This place was lofty and spacious. … little desk which served as a pulpit stood in the centre of the large kitchen, while the people stood on the floor… The next preaching place was a dwelling said to be the chief one in the village. In this house could be seen the ball, which the Spaniards fired at Paul tower, after they burnt the village. The little society then moved to a net loft, to which a flight of steps led up. A clear stream ran near its walls from the hill above, a yew tree grew near the window from beneath, casting its shadow on the floor and screened from the wintry winds. The infant church increased in numbers and it was found that it was time to erect a Wesleyan Methodist Chapel the village. In 1783 new chapel was built at the foot of Reginnis Hill. The site on which it stood was the remains of an old dog kennel, belonging to a Mr. Keigwin, a magistrate, who owned the old Standard. Some remains of the kennel walls served as part of the new edifice. The raising of the stones was done by the Methodists themselves. These were procured, from the old hill at the back of the building, and rolled down to the spot. The timber they fetched from Marazion, in their own boats. The chapel, the dimensions of which were 40 ft. by 28 ft., was opened by the Rev. Joseph Taylor. John Wesley preached at Mousehole on three occasions; his last visit being in December 1785 … The chapel was enlarged in 1815, having had 14 feet added to its width and made a square building, with a gallery at the end. The last time it was enlarged was in 1832. The old thick wall at the end part of the dog kennels, was retained. The chapel was then made 58 feet by 40 feet within; it had two side galleries and held about 900 people… I have heard that in those days, in most of the country chapels, there were cupboards where drink was kept, and preachers were often given a ‘”nip” before they commenced their sermons. This custom, however, was abolished in places of worship after the visit of James Teare, who was instrumental in forming teetotal chapels in Cornwall… many changes have been made to this lovely chapel, known since Methodist union as St. Clement’s Method Church… About 60 years ago it was a plain white-washed building. There were no were stained glass windows as it has to-day. Its little vestry at the end was damp and cold… It was lighted by oil lamps which was considered to be a novelty, as previous to this in many chapels candles were used and the chapel-keeper was kept busy snuffing the candles with a pair of snuffers. It had forms on each side without backs. The women sat on the south side and the men on the north. A well remembered figure was a man named John MacLary, who stood behind us boys with cane in his hand, and if we spoke during the prayer, we should feel sting on the knuckles with the cane. A harmonium accompanied the singing. The choirmaster for many years was Mr. John George. Before time, I have heard that a bass vial and other instruments were played the choir. About this time a large block vestries was built, a few feet north of chapel, and at the laying of the foundation stone children of the Sunday-school marched in procession past the stone and each put a coin in it… At one period Mousehole was in the St. Just circuit… About forty years ago [circa 1896] an organ loft was built in the west end of the building, and organ superseded the harmonium… Since that day the building has been beautified. It has today stained glass windows and is electrically lighted…
HIGHER CHAPEL. I like here to refer another chapel in the village: the Methodist Free Church, locally known as the Higher Chapel. Its earliest records seem to have been lost sight of, but a few reminiscences may interest… also to a bakehouse which was used as a preaching place in Duck-street. This was used by the Bryanites, and kept by a man called Jemmy Crocker, who was over-officious in keeping the rude boys in order during the service time. There was another small chapel erected in the village by the Teetotallers— similar the one at Sheffield in Paul. It was afterwards transferred to the Reformed Methodists. The brethren also have been established here for many years…” (Cornishman – Thursday 26 November 1936)
1930s-40s: Cedric Appleby records “The Mousehole Gala suffered the fate of so many of the others just before the last war [WWII] when the charabanc took the children to some resort such as Carbis Bay or Praa Sands. The Gala was restored during the war but it did not continue afterwards …”
1944: This article appeared in the Cornishman of Thursday 28 September 1944 and, to some extent, repeats aspects of the 1936 account. “Mousehole Methodist Chapel – its history [By Herbert Richards.] St. Clement’s Methodist Chapel has a very interesting history. In the year 1764, a net loft was set apart for worship by the Wesleyan Methodists of Mousehole prior to which a private house adjoining the Old Standard was occasionally used for that purpose. The numbers, however, so increased that it was found necessary to build a new chapel which members of the early Methodist Church could worship. In the year 1783 the present chapel was built. The site on which it stands was the remains of an old dog-kennel belonging to Mr. Keigwin, a magistrate, who owned the Old Standard. Some remains of the old wall served as part of the future edifice, in the raising of which the chief work was done by the Methodists themselves. They procured all the stones from the old hill near the site on which the chapel stands, and rolled them down to the spot. The timber they fetched from Marazion, bringing it across the bay in their own fishing boats. The chapel, the dimensions of which were 40ft. x 26ft was opened by Rev. Joseph Taylor. Mr Wesley preached here on three occasions, the last visit being in December 1785, when he records: “About 9, I preached Mousehole. where there is one of the best societies in Cornwall.” The work so increased in the village that it was found necessary to enlarge this chapel, and in 1813 it had 14ft. added to its width and was made a square building, with a gallery at each end. The last time the Chapel was enlarged was in 1832. The old thick wall at the back, formerly part of the dog kennel, was retained. It holds about 400 people. An organ loft was built, and a new organ installed in 1903. The chapel as it stands today is 56ft x 40ft with two side galleries, and one at the end. It received the name of St. Clement when the Methodist Union was established after a church which once stood on St. Clement’s Island, just off the village. As an old Mousehole boy, I revere this venerable building. I was led as a child to attend the services by my dear father, and listened to the Gospel preached by the Methodist preachers of many years ago, and to the fervent prayers of the dear old fishermen. Just before the first chapel was opened, the friends of Methodism at Mousehole determined that if they had a good catch of mackerel they would dedicate a portion of their gains’ to the new chapel. It proved a very successful week. Some, forty years ago the building was pointed on the outside, with stained-glass windows, and was electrically lighted within, and the once plain white-washed building is today one of the most outstanding places of worship in Cornwall. The trustees have now decided that the time has come to purchase a new church organ, at a cost in all probability in the region £2,000. The day for the return of the young men and women of the village is earnestly prayed for, and especially those of St. Clement’s Church will be able to look forward to the great event of the opening of the new organ. Paul Feast Sunday afternoon (October 8) is the service for the launching of the appeal for the new organ fund, and any gifts from friends near and far will be gratefully received and acknowledged by the church steward, Mr. Arnold Hockin, 2. Fore-street, Mousehole.”
1958: Schedule of deeds and documents relating to Wayside, 2 Chapel Street, Mousehole. Schedule of deeds and documents relating to Wayside, 2 Chapel Street, Mousehole received from A W H Harvey & Son, Solicitors, Penzance, reciting: Conveyances, dated 1868 [see AD2646/4], 1880 [see AD2646/6], 1918 [see AD2646/8]. Copy letters of administration of estate of Mrs E A Pomeroy, 9 Jun 1950. Copy letters of administration of the estate of Mr Henry Pomeroy, 5 Jun 1956. Assent vesting Wayside, 2 Chapel Street, Mousehole in Mr W T Pomeroy. (Kresen Kernow AD2646/1/25)
(Photo: Reverend Steven Wild)
1987: Merged with the Mount Zion UMC and met in this building.
It is Grade 2 listed.
A Grade II* Methodist chapel in Mousehole is planning to sell its Sunday school building to raise £500,000 towards the repair of woodworm and dry rot problems. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cornwall-63726986 The chapel was founded in 1784, enlarged in 1814, internally remodelled in 1844 and re-fenestrated during the late 19th century. The two-storied exterior was rendered probably 1905, the date shown on the facade. The Wesleyan chapel features an ornate pulpit and organ loft linked to horseshoe-plan gallery on slender columns. These features date to c1834 as does the complete set of seating with grained box pews. The stained glass is late 19th- and early-20th century. There are memorials dedicated to those who lost their lives in the First World War and in the Penlee lifeboat disaster. (Cornish Buildings Group Newsletter December 2022)