Bardolph Fen (Barroway Drove) Primitive Methodist chapel
Cuckoo Road, Barroway Drove
The foundation stone for Bardolph Fen Primitive Methodist chapel, in the Downham Market circuit was laid by G Russell on July 1st 1868 and the chapel was opened on September 20th and 21st. Celebrations at each ceremony included tea – at the opening it was for 140 and was “sumptuous”. The ministers were ES Shields and W Thomsett and speakers included Messrs Harpley, B Redhead, Goddard, Collins, Rolfe, Horn, Robb, Wrigley and Rev C Bentley. The architect was J Rolfe.
The memorial stone included a cavity for a box of Connexional goodies. The chapel was 36’ long x 22’ wide.
The article didn’t tell us where the chapel was or what happened to it. See David Secker’s comment below for the solution.
Reference
Primitive Methodist magazine 1869 page 109
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Thanks David: I’ve amended the chapel name and amended the page wording to link to your comment
Bardolph Fen is west of Stowbridge and in the same parish. In the Fen is the settlement of Barroway Drove. The chapel mentioned above is the same one that stood on Cuckoo Road (which leads into Barroway Drove) and known as Barroway Drove Primitive Methodist chapel – a case of different names at different times. There was also a UMC in the Drove, and after Methodist union this was recorded as Bardolph Trinity and the Primitive as Bardolph Bethel.
The PM was probably enlarged or rebuilt at some time as it seated 150. A schoolroom was added in 1907 and a new American reed organ purchased in 1921.
It appears that it closed in the 1960s and was demolished sometime later. In 1988 a planning application was made for a dwelling on the site.
A photo of Sunday school prize winners, standing in front of the chapel, is in the Lynn Advertiser of 13th May 1932. In the Lynn Advertiser of 13th December 1977 is a photo from 1934 of Sunday school and chapel members.
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