Former Primitive Methodist Church, Seaton Delaval

Image: © Geoff Holland Taken: 7 Jul 2020

There appears to be some confusion as to the date when this former church was actually built. The website at https://www.myprimitivemethodists.org.uk/content/chapels/northumberland/o-z/seaton_delaval_central_primitive_methodist_chapel_northumberland suggests that it was built in 1843, whereas an examination of the first Ordnance Survey Six-Inch map of the area published in 1865 reveals that no building whatsoever stood on or adjacent to this site at that particular time. Indeed, the 1865 map shows the existence of a smaller 'Methodist Chapel (Primitive)' standing on a site, some 50 metres to the north west, at a point where the 1909 Masonic Hall now stands https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6038508. By the time of the publication, in 1897, of the second Ordnance Survey Six-Inch map, this brick-built church, which is now used for business purposes, was in situ on this site with the former smaller chapel being marked on the map as a 'Sunday School'. The 1882 Primitive Methodist magazine reported that a, “beautiful and commodious” new Primitive Methodist chapel had been opened in Seaton Delaval, and that it was, “one of the best chapels to be found in the locality.” The outlay was said to be £1,400. Therefore, it is my contention, not withstanding the fact that one of the foundation stones of the building bears an 1843 date, that this brick-built former church was constructed in 1882. For a selection of detailed free to download walking routes in the area visit www.northtynesidewalks.co.uk

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