Leadwell (Ledwell) Primitive Methodist chapel

The opening of Leadwell Primitive Methodist chapel is described in the 1856 Primitive Methodist magazine by Thomas Cummin.

The hamlet of Leadwell (Ledwell on later maps) was missioned after 1840.  Progress was slow but amongst early converts “were some who had been drunkards, swearers, Sabbath breakers, and some who delighted in pugilistic exercises.” Most meetings were in the open air but the story goes that on one wet miserable day, the preacher had a cold and was allowed to preach in a nearby house – and that house then became used for services.

The foundation stone for a chapel was laid on Tuesday, June 24th, 1856, by Miss E. Hall and others, of Leadwell. “The chapel (was) 25 feet by 19 in the clear, and 14 feet from floor to ceiling; is properly ventilated, neatly fitted up and stained, and has a rostrum instead of pulpit.” The opening services were held from Wednesday, October 1st, 1856, when the preachers were William Mairey, Baptist Minister, from Hooknorton, R. Brazier, from Banbury J. Kelby, Esq., solicitor and Thomas Cummin. About 200 people sat down to tea in Mr. J. Hall’s orchard.

The chapel cost around £100 of which they expected to raise £45.

The chapel closed in 1950 but is still marked on the 1955 Ordnance Survey map; it was sold in 1960 and has disappeared by 1974. On Google Street View and Google Earth there is no sign of the chapel building. However, there is a house called Chapel Cottage.

Reference

Primitive Methodist magazine December 1856 pp.74-745