Yaxley Primitive Methodist chapel

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Yaxley Primitive Methodist chapel

Keith Guyler 1986

The notes with Keith Guyler’s photograph of the Primitive Methodist Chapel on Main Street, Yaxley, say it was built in 1850. The building was later sold to the Stretton family, became known as the Stretton Hall  and was used as a community hall. Later, the building housed a photography company.

That said, J Thurgur tells us in the Primitive Methodist magazine about the opening of a chapel in Yoxley on 8 July 1844, following missionary work by W Poole where the society had met in a house (rented for 30 shillings a year). In time they bought a plot with 4 cottages and room for a chapel measuring  29′ x 20′.

Opening preachers included James Garner and E Howchin.  They were optimistic about the finances because all the rented pews were taken and there was a waiting list. They also started a Sunday school for 80 learners.

Yoxley is described as  a large village with a population of around 1,500 which was notorious for crime, especially thievery. It was  four miles from Peterborough – which means it must be Yaxley, with either a transcription error or a name change over the years.

Reference

Primitive Methodist magazine 1845 page 32