Steeple Ashton Primitive Methodist chapel

In 2023, Steeple Ashton Methodist Church is at 10 High Street, Steeple Ashton, BA14 6EL. Modern maps show it as a Methodist Church, 19th century 25-inch maps show it as a Primitive Methodist Chapel.

The Wiltshire United Area website https://www.wiltsunitedchurches.org.uk/churches-in-the-area/steeple-ashton-methodist-church/ says:

“Methodism in Steeple Ashton dates back to 1783 when people met in a labourer’s cottage and in 1797 several houses were licensed for meetings. In 1851 one room of a dwelling house was used exclusively for worship and in 1854 the Primitive Methodist Chapel, together with the adjoining cottages was built. The building was fitted out with new seating in 1914 with a capacity of 130.

The latest changes were made in 1991 when the whole building was refurbished and extended to provide a multipurpose room, two meeting rooms, kitchen and toilets including facilities for the disabled. The premises are now used for Worship Services, meetings, retreats, painting classes and many more activities.”

The following text is extracted from the Victoria County History:

“Houses were licensed for Methodist meetings at Steeple Ashton and Semington in 1797, and one at West Ashton in 1798 may also have been for them. In 1829 the Steeple Ashton Methodists were meeting in a farm house; there were 8 members and about 50 people attended. In 1851 one room of a dwelling-house was used exclusively for worship. It afforded 120 sittings, and average congregations were about 100. It was probably this group which built the Primitive Methodist Chapel at the north end of the village three years later. The plain brick building, dated 1854, can seat 130 worshippers, and was in 1963 still in use.”

The Rev. Arthur Haigh writes in the Christian Messenger of 1920 a description of the Calne circuit,  including Steeple Ashton chapel.

“Steeple Ashton Chapel, built in 1855, is the outpost of our station. We have a substantially built chapel with a membership of fifteen. It has produced men of a fine type. Mr. Elijah Bull, to whose memory a tablet has been erected in the chapel, did a good day’s work before his call to the Heavenly Service. His son, Mr. A.A. Bull is still with us doing good work on the circuit. Mr. J. March and his wife have an open house for the preachers.”

The church is still open in 2023. The date stone on what looks to be the oldest part of the building states “Primitive Methodist Chapel 1851”.