Blatchbridge Primitive Methodist chapel

George Price writes an account of the opening of Blatchbridge Primitive Methodist chapel in the Primitive Methodist magazine of March 1855.

“Blatchbridge is a hamlet, a little more than a mile from Frome. We had a suitable preaching-house there, but a new line of railway deprived us of it. About nine months ago, land to build upon was therefore obtained, and a neat little chapel has been erected. The chapel is about eight yards by six yards outside, is built with stone, and has a beautiful inscription stone, with “Primitive Methodist Chapel, 1854.” It has four neat windows, an oak roof, and is covered with slate. It has a boarded floor, a neat pulpit, two pews, and a communion-pew, with four rail-back benches, which are all letable. The entrance from the high road is by a flight of steps, at the bottom of which are two iron gates.

The building reflects credit on Mr. Hodder, who was the undertaker, for the substantial and workmanlike manner in which it is executed. The foundation-stone was laid September 6th, 1854, by T. Pilditeh, Esq., and the Rev. S. Manning (Baptist) preached on the occasion. The chapel was opened for Divine worship on Monday, January 1st, 1855, and the following Sunday, when sermons were preached by the Revs. D. Anthony, E. Edwards (Independent), J. Fletcher (Wesleyan), and J. Wicks. The chapel was crowded to excess, and I trust good was done. A public tea was held on January 1st, and was numerously attended, and all the provisions were given. The entire cost of the chapel will be about £68, towards which we have realized near £40. We hereby express our gratitude to Mr. Hoddinott, for the gift of the land; to H. Miller, Esq., for making the writings gratuitously; to Mrs. Hoddinott, Nunney, for £5; and to all other friends who have aided us in any way in the erection of this house of prayer.”

The chapel is marked on the 1903 Ordnance Survey map, but a description of the Frome Circuit in the Christian Messenger of 1919 says “Blatchbridge has been closed for years.”

It was sited on the B3092 just north of the junction with Birchill Lane. On Google Street View in 2011 it is possible that the building still exists as part of a current house.

Reference

Primitive Methodist magazine March 1855 p.177

Christian Messenger 1919 p.140