Mapping Methodism – Old Town Isles of Scilly Wesleyan Methodist Chapel

Map: https://maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/side-by-side/#zoom=10.4&lat=52.44811&lon=-3.07812&layers=6&right=ESRIWorld

This profile of Old Town Wesleyan Chapel has been compiled by Jo Lewis and Tony Mansell.

Methodism on the Scilly Isles really got started in 1788 following a 1742 visit by John Wesley with the first chapel in Hugh Town. It is thought that Jospeh Sutcliffe, a WM itinerant, born at Baildon, Yorks was stationed in Cornwall (1786-89) and introduced Methodism to the Scilly Isles

1819 Chapel

References state that the first meetings were held in an untenanted dwelling house and it is likely that this was the original building of 1819.

1819: The Old Town chapel opened (some sources say 1817, the same time as Holy Vale).

Located on the eastern side of the main northbound lane towards the airport, around forty metres north of the Ennor Close turning at its northernmost tip. It is helpfully labelled Old Chapel.

Mid-century (possibly): Rebuilt, perhaps in the middle of the century.

The chapel fell into disrepair and was dangerous.

The chapel is mentioned a number of times in the Isles of Scilly Museum publication ‘A History of the Non-Conformist Churches on the Isles of Scilly’ by David P Easton and some of this information is used below with thanks.

1868 Chapel

1868: Built to replace the 1819 chapel with more accommodation. (Heritage gateway says c1860), presumably on the same site.

Old Town Chapel was not registered at the same time of Holy Vale, which could suggest that it was built later.

It was 3 perches in size, cost £40 to build and seating for 100. There are many comments that it was too big for the population but it seemed to survive: “ the new building, though small, is an imposing structure altogether out of proportion to the requirements of the place”. The chapel entrance was from the road at the western end, with a gallery across the building and the pulpit at the other eastern end.

Like Holy Vale it was supported by the Wesleyan minister from Hugh Town and therefore services were sporadic and by 1851 there were no Sunday Services.

In 1911 it was little used and it was agreed that it should be sold but there was no further action. However, 1928 information suggest that it was closed.

In 1928 the United Methodist pastor (presumably from St Marys UM (ex Bible Christian) Church) was willing to work with the Wesleyans to re-open the chapel and this was commended, once lamps could be provided. These were later found and the chapel re-opened and was in use into the 1930s.

1930s: Closed as a full-time chapel. (Revd David Easton)

1940: Seating for 98. (Revd David Easton)

Planning documents suggest it closed in 1930. Other references suggest it was still providing Tuesday services into the late 1930s. Revd David Easton confirms this.

Whatever the actual closure date, after the Methodist union of 1932, the chapel congregation merged with Hugh Town, Church Street Methodist.

It is suggested that the lease was finally given up at the beginning of World War II.

1955: Sold.

Converted to residential use.

A number of alterations have occurred to the building since its original use as a Wesleyan meeting hall. The building was rendered at some point before the 1990 and the previous tall ecclesiastical windows were removed. An arched recess was discovered during later removal of the render and a new ecclesiastical style window was reinstated. A single-story porch is believed to be the original entrance into the chapel.

It is now run as a holiday cottage called Old Chapel and photos of it can be seen on that website but also in the planning documents linked below.

(Ann Cunningham)