Tunbridge Wells Camden Road Primitive Methodist chapel

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former Tunbridge Wells Camden Road Primitive Methodist chapel

Keith Guyler 1984

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Tunbridge Wells Primitive Methodist chapel

Christian Messenger 1904/335

Camden Road Primitive Methodist chapel in Tunbridge Wells shown in the picture was opened in 1878. There had been a previous chapel of 1857 also in Camden Road and before that from May 1854 the Prims had met in the Presbyterian chapel on Mount Sion. The town was missioned in 1853 from Goudhurst with services on the common and in the house of bro. T Middleton.

The Primitive Methodist magazine of June 1857 contains an account by J Ashworth of the opening of the 1857 Primitive Methodist chapel.  The foundatin stone was laid on Monday October 13th 1856 by Rev A Bishop (Congregationalist). The opening services were held on March 29th 1857 and following weeks, with sermons by Mr Ashworth, J Petty of London, Rev A Bishop, Rev C Temperton and T Dakin.

The 1857 chapel was 38′ x 28′ and 15′ high and with a “front of Portland cement to imitate stone”.  There was a small vestry.  The cost was £500 of which they had raised £140.  Major donors included H Reed, Joshua Wilson, J Finch, J Lidgett and G Pemble, the architect who gave his services.

On Methodist union in 1932 Camden Road society was joined by members from the small Wesleyan society at Hill Street.  After closure in 1981 the Camden Road society combined with the Vale Royal church.  The Camden connection was marked by the Camden Chapel at Vale Royal, which preserved its Communion table.

Vale Royal closed at Easter 2015.

The Camden site after closure became an antiques showroom but was then demolished and flats built in its place.  I cannot find the precise location; can anyone tell us exactly where the chapel was?

Reference:

Vale Royal Methodist church website accessed May 19th 2015

Primitive Methodist magazine June 1857 pp.368-369