Welton Primitive Methodist Chapel, near Hull

erected 1840

Drawing by Eliza Heesom of the chapel she attended as a child. Is this Welton Chapel?
Nicky Heesom
John Heesom's class tickets
Nicky Heesom

In 1851 there were 682 people living in the township of Welton, and according to the Census of Religious Worship, there was a Primitive Methodist Society meeting in the ‘Forester’s Lodge’, which was erected in 1840. This was one room, capable of seating 70 people. It had 30 free sittings and 40 other (presumably pew rents were charged). Only one service was held on a Sunday, in the evening, which on 30 March 1851 was attended by 19 people. This was lower than usual, as the average for the year was 28. The information was given by John Rudd, Class Leader, Welton. 

One of the earliest Primitive Methodists in Welton was John Heesom, a Local Preacher, and a gatekeeper on the railway. He was killed in a railway accident on 6 Oct 1841, aged 33.  

John’s wife Maria, and his mother-in-law, Mary Beecroft (the wife of James Beecroft) were both devout Primitive Methodists. According to a family memoir, Mary Beecroft, was one of the earliest converts in Hull.  She was inspired to join in 1819, after listening to a sermon by a Mr Verity. Mary died of cholera in September 1834.  

After John Heesom’s death, Maria remarried, and became Mrs Kennington. She attended the Jarratt Street Chapel in Hull, for many years. She died April 1897.

John’s daughter Eliza drew a picture of the Chapel she attended as a child, and her descendants think it is very likely that this is the Chapel at Welton.  It would be wonderful if someone is able to confirm this.

 

Comments about this page

  • Hello
    I believe I am related to this family. My 4x great grandmother was a Mary Beecroft, born circa 1799 in Hull, wife of a William Mortimer. I believe she was the daughter of the James and Mary Beecroft above, sister of Maria.
    I believe I have the family memoir of which you speak saved onto my computer. I am currently trying to find out where I got it. If anyone ever reads this and knows who wrote it, please let me know!

    By Adam Bakes (15/04/2022)
  • I can not locate the former PM Chapel if still standing, e.g., a home, etc., but in the following documents it was on or near Town Street, but that name may have changed?. I am also not aware if it had been a replacement Chapel, the earliest congregation being in Forester’s Lodge.

    East Riding of Yorkshire Archives, Beverley:

    Ref. DDX1578/2/10: To include a plot of land near Town Street, Welton and abutting Town Street on the north, for building a Primitive Methodist Chapel, 28th June 1869.

    Ref. EMG/389/5: Certificate of Registration for meetings and religious worship, Welton Primitive Methodist Chapel, 27th Sept., 1870.

    Ref. EMG/389/4: Welton: Primitive Methodist Insurance Certificate, 1st March 1870.

    Ref. EMG/136-161: Former North Cave Primitive Methodist Circuit Records, 1861-1932, etc. To include Welton PM Chapel.

    Ref. DDX1578/2/18: Memorandum of Appointment of Trustees of the Primitive Methodist Chapel, Welton, 2nd Jan., 1904. 

    Ref. DDX/1578/2/20: Primitive Methodist Connexion: Permission to the Trustees to sell the land and Chapel at Welton, 14th Jan., 1925.

    Refs. DDX1578/2/21 & DDX1578/2/22: Conveyance of land and disused Chapel at Town Street, Welton. Amongst witnesses are North Cave Primitive Methodist ministers, 30th September and 7th October, 1925.

     

    By Raymond E.O.Ella (04/04/2018)

Add a comment about this page

Your email address will not be published.