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For full information on Tolpuddle Old Chapel please visit its website: www.tolpuddleoldchapeltrust.org
For TOCT Events please see either:
the Event Listings Page or the Regular Activities page on this website
Tolpuddle Old Chapel Trust
Tolpuddle Old Chapel (1818) is a Grade II* listed building, a rare and near unique survival of an earthen vernacular Wesleyan Methodist Chapel from the early nineteenth century, built by some of the men who later became known as the Tolpuddle Martyrs. Its modest architectural features resonate with the history of its construction and evolution, bearing the rich imprint of the social history made by labouring people across time. As the first and most enduring material trace of the Martyrs, it marks the point of origin for one of the most extraordinary social protests and parliamentary contentions in British history. From this small dot in the Dorset landscape there erupted a massive controversy around the rights of the labouring poor and their claims for a just wage, religious independence, and protection within the law.
Photos: the restored Old Chapel today and the interior showing simple benches
Tolpuddle Old Chapel is a building that almost slipped out of history. Its opening in 1818 was marked by a violent anti-Methodist riot, a prejudice which dogged its progress as a place of worship through the 1820s. After the trial, transportation, pardoning and return of the Tolpuddle Martyrs (1834-1837) the Chapel continued as a place of worship until the early 1840s when it had to close, probably on account of an expired lease. The land on which it was built reverted to the landowner. Over the following years and right through until the late twentieth century, it was used continuously as an agricultural store and for livestock stabling. Its origins almost dropped out of the collective local memory.
Tolpuddle Old Chapel Trust was formed in 2014 with the aim of ‘saving the Martyrs’ legacy,’ by renovating the building. With the generous support of a range of funders, and after delays caused by Covid 19, the renovation was finally completed on September 1st, 2023.
The Trust’s vision is to establish Tolpuddle Old Chapel as a building of historical significance and a venue serving local needs and visitors’ interests. Our Mission is to preserve and encourage the sustainable use of Tolpuddle Old Chapel as a local and national asset.
The Significance of the Former Methodist Chapel
The former chapel is listed as Grade II* by Historic England.
Prior to the chapel’s construction in 1818, there was a growing interest in non-conformist belief which resulted in 1810 with a licence being granted for Methodist worship in the home of Thomas Loveless, a Tolpuddle agricultural worker.
Thomas’s son, George, became involved in the growing local Methodist circuit as a lay-preacher. The increasing number of worshipers created the need to build a purpose built chapel. It was built on land next to Thomas Standfield’s cottage and was officially opened on 13th October 1818.
It is likely that George Loveless and Thomas Standfield were actively involved in the construction of this unique cob building.
As a chapel it was used for worship by at least four of the six Dorsetshire Labourers, who in 1838 became known as the Tolpuddle Martyrs. Three of them may well have preached from its pulpit. The chapel played an important part in developing the education and understanding of deepening social injustices within the membership, which resulted in their forming an agricultural workers friendly society. This eventually led to their arrest, trial and deportation to Australia in 1834. Five of the six freed Tolpuddle Martyrs did not return to live and worship in Tolpuddle.
The continued existence of the chapel can be confirmed through to 1843, and it may well have remained in use until a new village Methodist chapel was built in 1862-63. The former chapel then became an agricultural building and store.
Restoration and renovation have taken place recently (2021-2023). The building is mainly built of cob on brick and stone/flint bases and was originally thatched. The roof structure was later replaced with slate and recently was covered with double roman clay tiles. The original door leading from the road was blocked with an infill window with a boarded hatch above it but has now been reopened and restored to the original. The east and west windows had been bricked up to enable the insertion of a hay loft. These are now reopened and the hay loft removed. The beautiful original central pointed arched window opening on the rear wall has also been restored.
Timeline of Restoration
2015
In February 2015, the building and site were purchased by a newly formed Building Preservation Trust: The Tolpuddle Old Chapel Trust (TOCT). Emergency repairs to stabilise the cob walls and to make the building wind and water tight were undertaken at that time funded by a £9,500 grant from English Heritage.
2021/2022
In 2021 /2022 extensive restoration and renovation works commenced.
2023
June 2023 and the work is nearly complete.
Work is complete and Tolpuddle Old Chapel opened on
1 September, 2023
TOCT has an X feed detailing the complete history of the conservation mainly through small videos. Follow @TolpuddleOCT:
May 2023
Latest Update from the Old Chapel Trust
September 2023
The restoration work was finally completed and the chapel opened on 1 September, 2023
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