Swannington Primitive Methodist chapel

The Primitive Methodist magazine tells a story of attempted bribery and deceit to keep the Prims from building their new chapel at Swannington. “When the preliminary arrangements were being made for the purchase of the land, a clerical bigot waited upon the vendor, P. Cook, Esq., and offered £100 for the site, to shut us out of the village, if possible. That liberal offer was indignantly refused. We only gave £10 for the land.”

The chapel is shown at the eastern end of Broad Lane on Ordnance Survey maps of 1882-6 and 1906. The building is there but unlabelled in 1971.  There appears to be a new house on the site on Street View in 2008.

Here is the full account:

“Opening of Swannington Chapel, Dereham Circuit, Norfolk.—On November 25th, 1863, the foundation-stone of a new connexional chapel was laid in this locality. Mr. J. Bird, jun., performed the interesting ceremonial. The Rev. W. Hammond, of Fakenham, delivered a suitable and impressive discourse.

On Sunday, February 21st, 1864, the first opening services were held, when the Rev. B. Betts, of Briston, efficiently officiated. On February 28th, the opening services were resumed, when three impressive sermons were preached to large congregations, by the Rev. J. Scott, of Lynn. On Monday, February 29th, a tea meeting was held which was numerously attended, and afterwards a most interesting public meeting, which was addressed by the Revs. J. Scott, J. L. Whitley, of Dereham, T. Lowe, and S. Smith, and Mr. J. Bird, jun.—Mr. Bird, sen., presided. We had liberal collections.

The chapel is built on an eligible freehold site. It is 31½  feet by 21½ feet, and 15 feet to the wall plate. It is well lighted and ventilated. The chapel is well fitted with stained open seats on a boarded floor, and a neat and substantial platform. Both in its exterior and interior our Swannington chapel is a well built and beautiful structure.

The total cost is about £170, including the land and legal expenses. We have collected in all £41 4s.8½d. By the date of the first anniversary we shall raise that amount to more than one-third of the entire cost.

When the preliminary arrangements were being made for the purchase of the land, a clerical bigot waited upon the vendor, P. Cook, Esq., and offered £100 for the site, to shut us out of the village, if possible. That liberal offer was indignantly refused. We only gave £10 for the land. Thus despite High Church intolerance, bigotry, bribes, blankets, &c, Primitive Methodism advances in town and country, at home and abroad. T. Lowe.”

Reference

Primitive Methodist magazine 1864 page 500