Lowdham, Notts.

Image: © David Hallam-Jones Taken: 28 Feb 2014

A view of the Independent Primitive Methodist Chapel (dated 1844) off Main Road. Primitive Methodism was a grassroots, mainly working class movement which began in North Staffordshire at the beginning of the C19th and quickly spread across the country and to America, Australia and Africa too. It fired the hearts and minds of agricultural labourers, miners, potters, mill workers, fishermen, dressmakers and domestic servants, inspiring a passion for justice which led many to become leaders of the early trade unions. Many women became gifted preachers and were paid to go out as travelling or itinerant ministers from 1813, something extremely radical at the time. The first open air or camp meeting was held at Mow Cop - an isolated village straddling the Cheshire/Staffordshire border - in 1807 and the name 'Society of Primitive Methodists' was adopted in 1812. This reflected a wish to return to the earlier, purer form of Methodism started by John Wesley in the C18th. After Wesley's death these Methodists lost touch with their roots, banning open air meetings and women preachers, perhaps over valuing their new found respectability. They also feared government repression. Those who held open air meetings were sometimes known as 'Ranters' because of their enthusiastic style. In 1932 most Primitive Methodist groups joined the Wesleyan and United Methodists in an Act of Union to become the Methodist Church recognisable today. This picture was taken with Lowdham Stores & Off Licence behind the photographer's right shoulder.

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