Bedhampton Primitive Methodist chapel

Thanks to Ann Griffiths for identifying the former Primitive Methodist chapel at Bedhampton.

An account of the laying of the foundation stones of the chapel is in the Hampshire Telegraph and Sussex Chronicle of 19th May 1875. The land would cost £100 and the construction a further £400.  The building was designed by Mr Ranger of   Finsbury -pavement, London, and the builder Mr Ellis of Havant.  The chapel would accommodate 190 people and there was to be an attached vestry with a lean-to roof.  Revs Warner and Benneworth led the service.

The 1940 Inventory of Methodist buildings tells us that Bedhampton Primitive Methodist chapel was brick built and accommodated 120 on pews.  In addition to the main room, there was one schoolroom and five other rooms.  At the time of the Survey, the chapel was in the Southsea circuit.  The chapel is noted as having suffered damage in the war.

The 1895 Ordnance Survey map shows a Primitive Methodist chapel on the southern side of West Street, Bedhampton, immediately to the east of the level crossing. The chapel is still there on the 1937 map, with an identical footprint.

The Hampshire Post of 1912 tells us that on June 26th that year, the foundation stones would be laid  for an extension to the chapel by adding vestry and school room.

Streetview in 2009 shows the site cleared for redevelopment; by 2011 housing has been built on the site.

You can see a picture of the chapel on the Sense of Place (South East) website here.