History of the Chapel
The first recorded presence of a Methodist Society in the village was circa 1830 according to the Holt Weslyan Circuit list of churches. And by1851 the census of religious worship in Norfolk, records both Weslyan and Primitive Methodist societies in the village.
In1854 it is recorded that the Primitive Methodists had a church, probably a converted cottage, in Chapel Yard, just off the street. By the turn of the century this old church was inadequate for the growing congregation and land and cottages in Church street were purchased in July 1901 at a local auction in Holt.
"Lot 1" an excellent brick, stone and tile dwelling known as "the rest" used as a temperance refreshment coffee house, also four dwelling houses with adjoining wash and coal houses together with a productive adjoining garden. A well of excellent drinking water and a constant supply of spring water running through the property.
The Society purchased the land and dwellings for £450 and the plans for a 130 seater church and adjoining school hall were drawn up in September 1901, However, possibly due to the heavy financial burden of such a grand plan, the society could not proceed and the following year further plans for a school hall in a different position were submitted. Building proceeded and the two stones for the new school hall were laid on 5th. April 1904. The new chapel cost £200. No further devolopment took place and the planned cottages demolition and the 130 seater church building never took place. The last of the cottages was sold on 23rd. July 1968 and the proceeds went towards a new porch, vestry, kitchen and washrooms.
In October 1976 severe rain storms caused extensive flooding in the village, and the chapel was one of many buildings affected, with a depth of 18 inches of flood water. The long term effect of this necessitated the complete refurbishment of the building. £10,000 was raised in 18 months to complete the task in 1986.
On the gate you will see a memorial plaque. Make a note of Malcom Felmingham's dates. ABCD-EFGH
The cache can be found a short walk away at: N52 56.(H-E) G (A+C) E001 08.(B-C+A) F (D-E)
Parking for the chapel is limited but there are some roadside spaces in Church Street. You are looking for a nano container and so please remember to bring a pen with you.
Please play the game and sign the log otherwise I may delete your entry.
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For full information on how you can expand the Church Micro series by sadexploration please read the Place your own Church Micro page before you contact him at churchmicro.co.uk
See also the Church Micro Statistics and Home pages for further information about the series.
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