Llanago, Old Radnor,
Presteigne, Powys LD8 2RP
T. 01544 350520
M. 07444 311421
[email protected]
www.thegriffithsheritageconsultancy.co.uk
Bethesda Methodist Chapel, 35-37 Albion Street,
Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 1QF
Conservation Statement
for
Historic Chapels Trust
February 2016
Conservation Statement for Bethesda Methodist Chapel
1. Introduction
Historic Chapels Trust (HCT) is in the process of reviewing its Asset Management Plan.
It gratefully acknowledges funding from Historic England to commission a series of
Conservation Statements for all of its historic churches, chapels and meeting houses.
A Conservation Statement is a summary of a heritage asset, including what it is, why it is
important, what the current situation is and what needs to be done to look after it in the
future. It is often done on the basis of existing knowledge, identifying any gaps or areas
for future research.
This Conservation Statement is based on the advice contained within: English Heritage’s
(Historic England) (2008) Conservation Principles Policies and Guidance for the Sustainable Management of the Historic Environment (London); The Prince’s Regeneration Trust’s
(2009) How to: Write Conservation Reports; and the second Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF)
guidance Conservation Management Plans (2004) (which includes advice on Conservation Statements). It has been commissioned by Historic Chapels Trust and benefits from
the valuable input of the Friends of Bethesda Chapel. It has been produced by The Griffiths Heritage Consultancy Ltd. All orientations are by the compass.
1.1
Bethesda Methodist Chapel
Bethesda Methodist Chapel, Albion Street, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 1QF.
Bethesda Chapel is located close to the central Hanley shopping area of Stoke-on-Trent,
opposite the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery. The main entrance is on Albion Street,
where it is seen to be a large building with adjoining neighbours on both sides. There is a
small area to the west for private parking which includes the former vestry building and
a secondary chapel entrance and also the entrance to the crypt / undercroft. Unfortunately access to the undercroft is currently not possible as it has been blocked to prevent
ingress by vandals. Behind the chapel there is a large grassed area, formerly the burial
ground, and the former chapel car park lies to the east and is now rented out to other
parties.
Fig. 1 Location Map
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Conservation Statement for Bethesda Methodist Chapel
The chapel is a Grade II*Listed Building (List Entry No. 1195821) and within the City
Centre Conservation Area. The listing description is not clear on why it has achieved a
Grade II* but it may be assumed that it is for the historic and architectural interest as set
out in the rest of this document. The former vestry to the west is within the curtilage of
the listed chapel and will therefore be subject to the same listed building legislation. The
City Centre Conservation Area is an area which developed strongly in the nineteenth
century, growing rapidly within a period of less than fifty years. It is dominated by richly
decorated brick buildings of the late Victorian and early Edwardian periods, with a mix
of scale and size, demonstrating an organic growth and unique settlement pattern resulting from the house building of the large potteries, intermingled with civic buildings. Immediately to the west of the chapel is 39 Albion Street / 1 Bethesda Street, which is Listed
Grade II and was formally the Stoke Potteries Water Board premises.
HCT is the freehold owner of the chapel and is a secular charity dealing with places of
worship of non-Anglican churches that are no longer in use by their religious denominations. The chapel remains a registered place of worship and remains consecrated
although outside ecclesiastical jurisdiction and therefore falls under listed building and
planning legislation. A Friends of Bethesda group was set up in 2003 after a request in
the local press from HCT and Stoke on Trent City Council for a local group of Bethesda
interested people to be formed, and currently has 16 members with a wide age range.
The Friends undertake keyholder activities, host a website, hold open days and championing the building in the local community.
2.Understanding
A large amount of work has already been conducted regarding the history and development of the Chapel. It is not the place here to repeat this but to summarise and use this
information to inform the statement of significance. Useful resources for research are
cited at the end of this document. A detailed history and guide for the site has been produced and is available from HCT or the Friends of Bethesda.
2.1Development
The development of the pottery industries in the Stoke area in the 18th century saw
a flood of people moving into the urban areas who felt disillusioned by the Anglican
Church and turned to the newly preached Methodism as a new way of living the Christian life which had more relevance to the conditions in which they were living and working. Houses registered for Methodist worship were founded in the local area and in Hanley the house of Job Meigh was used, with a chapel in Burslem. Methodism remained
relatively united until the death of the famous Methodist preacher John Wesley in 1791.
During the late 18th century many local Methodist supporters in Hanley became part
of a breakaway group which required more lay participation in the governance of their
church. One of the group was Job Ridgway who developed his own pottery, in partnership with his brother and William Smith, on the site of the present Potteries Museum.
This group along with other liberals eventually formed the Methodist New Connexion
but lost access to the chapel at Burslem. Meetings were then held in William Smith’s
house in Sheldon but soon houses became too small for the popular new group. The
Methodist New Connexion obtained a coach house which they fitted up for worship for
150 people - this was on the site of the current Bethesda Chapel. William Smith unfortuPage 3
Conservation Statement for Bethesda Methodist Chapel
nately died soon after its opening.
It soon became obvious that even the new premises were not large enough to accommodate the still growing congregation. In 1798 the coach house was demolished to make
way for the building of a chapel, which opened in 1799. This building had 600 seats but
again this proved insufficient and in 1811, under Job Ridgway’s direction, the chapel was
expanded to seat 1,000 and a new crypt constructed under the extension. Once again,
the instigator of the enlargement died soon after its completion in 1813, when his son
John, took up his place as a prominent member of the group.
In 1819 the building was again enlarged by taking down the 1811
extension and replacing it with a larger scale extension. This new
extension was so large that specific timber (Canadian Redwood)
had to be imported from America, through the Ridgway’s trading
connections. This stage of expansion also included a school house
and other outbuildings and the installation of an organ in 1820.
Fig. 2 Expansion plan of chapel (©HCT)
Following this period Bethesda Chapel became THE place for nonconformist worship, as Hanley developed into the commercial centre of the Pottery towns and the commercial and civic leaders of the area became prosperous. Bethesda drew in notable preachers including William Booth in 1855 and James
Caughey in 1858, who preached to 3,000 people. The ministers were all past or future
presidents of the Methodist New Connexion and the status of the chapel was celebrated
through its architecture. In 1856 the impressive pulpit and communion rail were added,
and the windows were altered. The current grand Albion Street frontage was added in
1859, creating a suitably superior building for the New Connexion conference of 1860.
John Ridgeway died in 1860 and did not live to see the decline of the chapel as the prosperous local leaders moved away from the commercial centre and the smoke and dirt of
the factories. A new organ was installed (1864) as a result of money left for a high quality
organ in the will of John Ridgway. Throughout the decline, several more alterations were
made to the chapel. New ground floor windows were introduced in 1887 and the exterior
painted in a colourful way to reflect the new decorative fashion. The organ was extended
and the orchestra area enlarged.
The New Connexion movement joined with the United Methodist Free Church and the
Bible Christians in 1907 to become the United Methodist Church. In 1932 this group
joined with the Wesleyan Methodists and Primitive Methodists to form the Methodist
Church once more.
The burial ground, south of Bethesda, closed in 1912 and it was eventually laid out as
a public garden in 1978, when Stoke City Council took responsibility for it. By 1940
Bethesda only had 150 regular worshippers and although there was a small revival in the
1950s, this was insufficient to provide the necessary funds for repairs to the huge building. The ceiling partially collapsed in 1972 and ill-informed repairs resulted in increasing damp issues and associated gradual decay. In 1985 the chapel was closed for worship
and sold to a developer, whose plans for alteration and demolition were refused. Despite
the formation of the Bethesda Heritage Group in 1994 the chapel remained empty and
increasingly in poor repair. In 2002, ownership was transferred to the Historic Chapels
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Conservation Statement for Bethesda Methodist Chapel
Trust who, taking advantage of the building’s success in the BBC’s Restoration series,
managed to raise funds for £1m of Phase one repair works, which were completed in
2007. Further works in Phase Two of the repairs, costing over £600,000, were completed
in 2011.
N
2.2 Architectural Features Fig. 3 Floor plan of ground and first floors showing architectural features and memorials (© HCT)
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Conservation Statement for Bethesda Methodist Chapel
The chapel is a large virtually rectangular structure in plan with an impressive frontage
to the north. The building has had three major phases of alteration and the majority of
the building fabric today dates from 1819 with remnants of the 1799 chapel to the north
end - the interior is mostly from a further phase of works from 1859, which mostly refitted the interior as well as adding the ornate frontage.
Frontage
The frontage, on Albion Street, is in the Italianate style and dates from a remodelling
of 1859, designed by Robert Scrivener. It has two doors on either side leading into the
chapel and a large arched window which replaced the large central door. This change is
clearly read in the remaining material by the survival of the ornate door frame or architrave. Eight Corinthian columns support a portico, above which are fine windows and
the ornate triangular pediment. The front is enclosed by high quality decorative iron railings on a low stone plinth, which are modern copies of the original design. The current
colour scheme is based on evidence of late C19th decoration, probably executed when
the ground floor windows were replaced in 1887.
Exterior
The exterior rear of the chapel is equally impressive with a large two storey curved brick
façade to the south, overlooking the former burial ground. From here the colourful red
and yellow Flemish bond brickwork can be fully appreciated and the regular decorated
windows also add to its appeal. Atop the curved rear façade is a decorated partial parapet
or raised cornice and chimney. The exact reason for the construction of this feature is
not known. This rounded apse is an unusual feature for a nonconformist chapel of the
time.
Fig. 4. Brickwork
Fig. 5. Rear of the chapel
Vestries
To the west of the chapel is the small detached single storey original vestry which was
built in 1819 and later replaced by a new vestry inside the chapel at the north end, during the Victorian remodelling. It is brick built with a slate roof and contains two rooms
and some toilets. Permission has been granted to convert the outside Vestry and associate building to a toilet block (Ladies, Men’s and Disabled), plus a small office. It was not
possible to enter this structure because of its dangerous condition. The current vestry
or committee room is a small area in the centre of the front ground floor. It currently
contains small exhibitions regarding the history and restoration of the chapel, including photographs and pictures of many of the people associated with the chapel and the
beginnings of the Methodist New Connexion movement. It retains much of the original
timber work from the 1859 refit, such as skirting boards, window frames, and cupboards,
and has stained glass windows onto the street frontage and internal windows looking out
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Conservation Statement for Bethesda Methodist Chapel
to the pulpit and main body of the chapel.
Fig. 6 External vestry
Fig. 7 Part of the internal vestry / committee room
Hallways and stairs
The two main doors at the front of chapel open onto decorative hallways with high quality floor tiles, possibly Minton,
and timber panelling. A staircase rises up from each of the
halls to provide access to the gallery and orchestra; these
were part of the 1859 refit. The stairs are again of fine quality
with marble steps and timber balustrade.
Fig. 8 Hallway: tiles and panelling
Fig. 9 Internal Space
Internal space
Internally, the sheer size of the
space is breath-taking, especially
when viewed from the gallery.
The chapel is said to have been
capable of seating over 2,500
people (Leigh et al, 2010, p3) or
containing approximately 3,000 people (Smith & Beard, 1899, p25) (Ward 1843, p397). A
directory from 1820 calls Bethesda ‘The Cathedral of Methodism’ (Booth. Pers. Comm.).
The narrower north end demonstrates the original size of the 1799 chapel and the current large open space and gallery dates from the 1819 expansion. The gallery is supported on 24 cast iron columns, with a panelled balustrade and underneath it has a vaulted
plaster ceiling over the ground floor side pews, which reflects light downwards and adds
to the sensation of space for the congregation. The interior space survives with many of
its minor fittings and features and is much as it was in the late C19th. It is renowned for
its excellent acoustics.
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Conservation Statement for Bethesda Methodist Chapel
Pews
The timber box pews date to 1887, the last stage of the Victorian remodelling, and retain
many of their original features including their painted numbers, umbrella holders, folding shelves, etc. On the ground floor these are carefully designed and located so that the
side pews are slightly at an angle and centrally others allow ‘hit and miss’ seating towards
the rear of the chapel – all designed to allow the greatest number of people to have a
good view. In the gallery there are eight rows of raked pews, all of which offer a wonderful view of the pulpit and orchestra area.
Fig. 10. Umbrella holder on pew
Fig. 11 Raked pews in the gallery
Ground floor rooms
The formation of the three ground floor rooms to the south end of the chapel, in the
rounded apse, dates from World War II, when the trustees built new school rooms
because the school building was being used by the army for the medical examinations
of enlisted men. The wall dividing the rooms from the chapel was built with the timber
from the pews which were removed from the south end of the chapel to accommodate
this change. The stained glass windows in the dividing walls presumably also date from
this period. Internally at least one room contains hand painted grained period panelling.
Fig. 12 Dividing wall made
from pews
Fig. 13
Grained
wood panelling
Fig. 14 Pulpit and communion area
Pulpit and communion area
A relatively simple but high quality octagonal pulpit with two sets of stairs with decorative cast iron balustrades and timber handrails is set within an oval communion rail,
both again designed by Robert Scrivener and dating from 1856, probably the start of
the more extensive mid C19th remodelling. It is the focal point of the chapel and is an
unusual ‘island’ pulpit.
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Conservation Statement for Bethesda Methodist Chapel
Organ
An organ was first installed in 1820. It was replaced in 1864 by a very fine organ by Kirtland and Jardine. This was extended in 1887 at the front and sides and the area for the
orchestra was also increased in size. The 1864 organ was unfortunately badly vandalised
after the chapel closed and a replacement Kirtland and Jardine organ (dating from 1853)
from St Ignatius Church in Salford was installed in 2010. It is five or six stops short of being complete and a recent organ recital played on it had an audience of over 150 people
from all over the country.
Fig. 15. Organ
Memorials.
There are many memorials in the chapel (those which are stained glass windows are discussed below) and the Friends of Bethesda are in touch with the families of many of the
original benefactors:
Ground Floor:
•
Job Ridgway and his wife Elizabeth: Job built the first Methodist chapel in Hanley (with Job Meigh), built Bethesda and provided much of the finance, died 1814. His Bell Works pottery was on Bethesda Street opposite the side of Bethesda. The Ridgway crest
of a kneeling dromedary was used on the top of the Seal of the Borough of Hanley and is
now in the Stoke-on-Trent Coat of Arms. Henry Wedgwood called him, “one of the most
remarkable men Staffordshire ever gave birth to” (Mountford 1994).
•
Job Meigh and his wife Mary: founder Trustee of Bethesda. He held the first
Methodist services in Hanley in his house and helped to build Bethesda
•
William Smith and Elizabeth his wife: founder trustee of Bethesda, Lay Preacher,
and partner of Job Ridgway, helped to build Bethesda. It is believed he is buried in the
crypt under the raised floor between the pulpit and the vestry. Died 1799.
•
George Ridgway, nephew of Job Ridgway, trustee and treasurer of Bethesda,
Guardian Representative of the Methodist New Connexion, Justice of the Peace, Mayor
of Hanley, Freeman of Hanley
•
William Ridgway, son of Job Ridgway, took over his father’s pottery business with
his brother John when Job Ridgway died.
•
John Ridgway, son of Job Ridgway, Potter to Queen Victoria, first Mayor of Hanley
•
William Ford: New Connexion minister. Laid to rest in the crypt.
•
Rev. William Thom. One of the original founders of the New Connexion and
preached during the opening service at Bethesda. Died 1811.
•
Joseph Clementson; Trustee of Bethesda, Chief Bailiff of Hanley, and pottery
business owner, died 1877.
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Conservation Statement for Bethesda Methodist Chapel
•
Memorials in rooms to the south: William Moore, Trustee, class leader, circuit
steward, Mayor of Hanley, and joint owner of John Ridgway’s pottery after Ridgway sold
the company in 1859; Revd. Thomas Allin, pupil of Bethesda school, twice elected President of Conference, the first theological tutor of the denomination, died 1860; Thomas
Allbut, Trustee of Bethesda, owner of largest printing business in the area, Book Steward
of the Methodist New Connexion, died 1857 and laid to rest in the crypt.
•
Bethesda Our Boys Roll of Honour, World War I.
•
World War II Rolls of Honour – modern replicas as the originals were destroyed
by vandals.
Gallery:
•
Richard Hicks, founder member and Trustee of Bethesda, married to Job Meigh’s
daughter and partner in his pottery business. Died 1844.
Fig. 16 Memorials (Job Meigh, William Thom and William Smith)
Crypts
The Chapel, unusually, has two crypts: one within the original part of the chapel; and one
much larger under the main body of the building. There are four burial vaults inside the
original (1797) part of the chapel situated behind the present pulpit, constructed from
1799 for the first one to 1817 for the last one. The last remains to be added to any burial
vault inside the chapel was c.1899 when George Ridgway was placed in the Ridgway
family vault. The crypt or vault UNDER the chapel was built during the 1811 extension
of the chapel and was last used in the 1890’s. It contains 36 individual burial vaults and
8 family vaults. All vaults have remains. The people interred in these vaults are as above
plus many prominent Methodist preachers and members of the chapel. Unfortunately
there is currently no access to the main vault as it has been blocked up due to vandalism.
Apparently it is in relatively good condition constructed of brick with a vaulted ceiling
and covers half the width of the chapel.
Windows
The windows were altered in 1856 and again in 1887 when the ground floor windows
were installed. The majority have simple coloured borders in a typical Victorian style.
The chapel also has four complete stained glass windows. The ‘Light of the World’ window, a memorial to Harriet Titley, is of a design taken from a painting by William Holman Hunt. Harriet was the wife of John Titley, a member of Bethesda and whose sons
were School Class Secretaries in the early part of the C19th. It has the peculiar quality of
seeming to actually shine a light from the lamp in the window into the chapel. The other
stained glass window on the ground floor is opposite: a ‘Madonna and Child’ window
based on the Sistine Madonna by Raphael and dedicated to Fannie Nuttall, a school and
music teacher who having lost her husband brought up her family alone. In the gallery
is the ‘Bethesda Our Boys’ window dedicated to those who fought in World War I and
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Conservation Statement for Bethesda Methodist Chapel
the ‘Oliver Dyke’ window, who was a trustee and benefactor
of Bethesda and a prominent local businessman. Next to the
stained glass windows in the gallery are four blocked up windows which are part of the original 1799 building which allows
one to be able to imagine the dimensions of the original building
before its later alteration and extension.
Fig. 17 ‘Light of the World’ window
Ceiling and Roof
The ornate plaster ceiling is a replacement copy of what was there prior to the deterioration of much of its fabric in the 1970s and 80s – it is an impressive piece of conservation
work with ornate ceiling roses. Above it is the original 1819 roof structure containing
the redwood beams and intricate trussing which demonstrates the workmanship of the
period. It also shows the three main building phases of the chapel.
2.3 Archaeology and Ecology
No archaeological records have been located for the Bethesda site, which is not surprising considering it has been occupied by the chapel since the late C18th. However, the
earliest written record of Hanley dates from 1212, when William of Hanley was recorded
as holding land in the Vill of Hanley. By the early C18th Hanley was still a small collection of humble dwellings but by 1775 the built up area had increased and by 1783 the
town was large enough to require a mayor. By this time Town Road, Old Hall Street,
Albion Street, and Marsh Street had buildings continuously along their length and the
centre of Hanley preserves the irregular layout of the late C18th village (Jenkins (1963),
and City of Stoke on Trent (2010)).
Fig. 18 Map of Hanley 1775 (Yate’s)
Hanley grew rapidly in the late C18th and in 1813 Hanley, in conjunction with Shelton,
was declared a market town by Act of Parliament. Around this time Bethesda Street, Pall
Mall and Piccadilly were laid out and the town had a population of around 10,000, which
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Conservation Statement for Bethesda Methodist Chapel
had increased to over 61,000 by 1901. The pottery industry, which started in the C17th,
reached its height in the C19 and several potteries operated in this area. The remains
of two kilns (dated c.1680 – 1720) have been excavated in Old Hall Street and Albion
Square.
It therefore seems possible, in the author’s professional opinion, that beneath the existing
buildings and streetscape, there may be the archaeological remains of the C18th settlement and it is also highly likely that archaeological evidence of the C19th potteries also
survives. Much production waste in the form of pot sherds, dating from the C17th to
the C20th, has been found in the area. The area immediately beneath the chapel is less
likely to hold later remains due to the excavation of the vault and its early date of construction compared with the date of the growth of the area. It is also likely that there
may also be remains of the Bethesda Chapel burial ground (as it appears that only the
headstones were relocated) and more investigation should be undertaken into discovering what works were undertaken by the local authority when they took over the burial
ground in the 1970s.
In terms of standing archaeology, the evidence contained within the chapel fabric of the
various enlargements and extensions will be valuable evidence of the building’s physical
development.
The landscape character type in which the chapel is located is classified as ‘urban’ (‘Extensive areas of predominantly built land where the rural settlement pattern has been
completely subsumed by urban development’), under the National Landscape Typology
(MagicMap. 2015). No ecological features have been noted.
2.4 Setting
As stated above, Bethesda Chapel is situated in an urban, built up area. Its impressive
public front is situated on Albion Street which rises up to meet Albion Square and the
main shopping centre. It has a public garden to its south, which was previously the burial
ground. The former school building forms the southern boundary to the garden and
is now in separate ownership. The former single storey vestry building to the west still
survives but in a dilapidated state. The building just to the north of this along Bethesda
Street was built as a bank for members of the chapel by John Ridgeway and again is now
in separate ownership. A chapel ‘infirmary’ in Jasper Street provided basic healthcare.
The building still stands but is in separate ownership. Since the buildings and spaces
have retained their relationships with each other, this is historically an important group
for the setting of Bethesda and greatly adds to the understanding of the provision of
religious, social, educational, health and financial services by the great pottery businesses
of the area.
On the way up Bethesda Street the imposing curved rear façade of Bethesda visually balances the bulk of the Pottery Museum on the opposite side of the street and the garden
balances the green spaces around the museum, creating an attractive gateway into the
triangle junction which itself is marred by road sign clutter, extensive road markings, uncoordinated street furniture, and the unimaginative design and use of the actual triangle
area.
Bethesda is part of an attractive group of historic buildings located around the triangle
where Bethesda Street, Albion Street, Piccadilly, Marsh Street South and Broad Street all
converge. The majority of these are large C19th buildings with positive visual interest
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Conservation Statement for Bethesda Methodist Chapel
and decorative architectural features. The buildings around this triangle are identified as
a positive historic townscape in the Conservation area Appraisal (City of Stoke on Trent
(2010) p15). The Conservation Area Appraisal also identifies positive views from the
triangle up Albion Street and along Bethesda Street (p16), however, the view down Albion
Street towards the triangle is noted as negative due to the mixed nature of modern and
historic development and on street parking (p17, 18).
The green space and tree planting along Bethesda Street near to the museum and in the
former graveyard to the south of the chapel have been identified as important green open
spaces which are rare within the town centre (City of Stoke on Trent (2010), p22-24).
Bethesda Chapel can be said to positively contribute to its surroundings and its setting
reflects the nature of the C19th development of the town. It is one of the finest and most
visually impressive buildings within the Conservation Area.
2.5
Archives, Historic Records and Interpretation
The record books for Bethesda Chapel are located in the local archive and date back to the
1790s. The archives at both the City Centre library and the Potteries Museum both hold a
substantial amount of material from other sources, which is relevant to the chapel. Since
the history of Bethesda is ingrained with the history of the potteries there is substantially
more research material than it is possible to mention here. In addition there are a number
of pictures, photographs, artefacts and documents kept at the chapel.
The Friends group is particularly enthusiastic and proactive. In addition to their active
social media sites, they have also researched and produced small exhibitions within the
chapel about its history (of particular note is the ‘WWI Bethesda Our Boys’ exhibition
which is currently in the middle room to the south), arrange frequent concerts and popular arts events, maintain the ‘Distant Friends’ group and give guided tours. In 2015 Bethesda received over 2070 visitors. A comprehensive guidebook is available from HCT or the
Friends of Bethesda Chapel.
3.Significance
3.1
Overall Statement of Significance
‘The Cathedral of the Potteries’: One of the first and largest Methodist New Connexion Chapels in the country built by the leading instigators of the Methodist
New Connexion who were also key historical figures in the rise and development
of the C18th and C19th Potteries industry.
3.2
Supporting Information for Overall Statement of Significance
Bethesda Chapel retains excellent evidence of four periods of extension, alteration and
remodelling with an almost complete internal layout with associated fixtures and fittings from 1859 and a number of unusual or possibly unique architectural features for a
Methodist chapel (see below). The building also has a high group value with its associated
buildings, typical of the Methodist ethos, such as the school house, external vestry, bank
and infirmary. Its history is heavily connected with the social, political and economic development of the Potteries area and the turbulent beginnings of the Methodist church and
its subsidiary organisations. Its overall value is reflected in its Listed status at Grade II*.
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Conservation Statement for Bethesda Methodist Chapel
Evidential value: HIGH. The surviving fabric of the chapel has a high potential for
evidence which demonstrates its evolution over time, for C18th and C19th workmanship, design and materials and especially the high quality of skills available in the Potteries area during the early and mid C19th. The physical material also demonstrates the
beginnings and rapid growth of Methodism during the industrial revolution and its later
decline. The vast research resources have a huge potential for academic and social history study. There is also potential for below ground remains relating to the earlier development of the town.
Historical value: HIGH. The links between the chapel and the key historical figures of
the Potteries demonstrate its high historical value. It also contributes to understanding
the physical and historical development of Hanley and the Stoke on Trent area and the
development of early and later Methodism.
Aesthetic value: HIGH. Both internally and externally Bethesda Chapel is an extraordinary building of extremely high quality. It has a prominent frontage, excellent brickwork
and proportions, pleasant public garden and positively contributes to the character of the
conservation area. It retains a high proportion of historic and architectural features, with
a virtually complete interior from the mid C19th, including high quality stained glass,
timber work and other fittings.
Communal value: HIGH. The local community greatly value this building, as demonstrated by the enthusiastic Friends group and the number of visitors, events and interested parties from other places, including overseas. Historically Bethesda was the centre
of religious, social and economic life for thousands of people in the Hanley area and
thousands of children were educated here (Ward 1843, p397). Many prominent historical
figures from this period had connections with Bethesda and many have also been laid to
rest in its crypts.
3.2
Features of Interest
Feature
Frontage
Evidential Value
MEDIUM
Historic value
MEDIUM
Aesthetic value
HIGH
Communal value
HIGH
The impressive mid C19th frontage is evidence of historic architectural styles and was
designed to make a strong visual impression as a building of note and importance.
The underlying fabric has the potential to contribute to understanding the history and
development of the chapel, and particularly its importance within the Methodist New
Connexion circuit, since it was likely the frontage was constructed to create a building
suitable for holding the New Connexion Conference in 1860. It is indicative of the importance and standing of both the chapel and its benefactors in this period.
Feature
Exterior
Evidential Value
HIGH
Historic value
HIGH
Aesthetic value
Communal value
HIGH/ MEDIUM HIGH
The brickwork of the exterior is of great evidential and historic value, with potential for
evidence of all periods of development. It demonstrates early C19th building practices
and design. Visually the exterior is very pleasing with its regular arrangement of windows and it positively contributes to the character of the area and in particular the public
open space (former burial ground) behind the chapel and to the overall character of
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Conservation Statement for Bethesda Methodist Chapel
Bethesda Street. The rounded apse is an unusual feature of a Methodist chapel and the
brickwork has a good patina of age. The area around the original vestry detracts from the
overall value due to the condition of the vestry buildings and the necessity for keeping
this area as a parking place.
Feature
Vestries
Evidential Value
LOW
Historic value
HIGH
Aesthetic value
LOW
Communal value
HIGH
The original 1819 detached vestry is an important survivor of the many additional buildings which were associated with the chapel. It is the only one still in the same ownership and will provide a useful space for future re-use of the chapel. Although WCs were
installed in the 19th century, part of the vestry building remained in less utilitarian use
and was at one time registered independently of the chapel for religious marriages. The
interior vestry has some character and demonstrates the alterations which the chapel has
undergone through its history, including the Victorian remodelling. The current exhibitions have communal value with much potential.
Feature
Hallways
and Stairs
Evidential Value
MEDIUM
Historic value
MEDIUM
Aesthetic value
MEDIUM
Communal value
HIGH
The hallways and stairwells provide impressive and visually appealing entrances to the
building, with high quality fittings. It is thought they date to 1887 and again provide
evidence of the physical changes to the building over time. There is potential in this area
of evidence of different building phases in the fabric. Their communal value stems from
providing access to the gallery and organ / orchestra area and the initial impression that
visitors receive on entering through the front of the building.
Feature
Internal
Space
Evidential Value
MEDIUM
Historic value
HIGH
Aesthetic value
HIGH
Communal value
HIGH
The vast internal open space of the chapel provides visual evidence of changes to the
building fabric and there is likely to be further hidden evidence of this. This area demonstrates the typical Methodist layout where all can see and participate in services. The
acoustics are excellent and the fixtures and fittings historic and appropriate. The views
through and across the building are part of its significance, especially from the gallery.
Feature
Pews
Evidential Value
LOW
Historic value
HIGH
Aesthetic value
HIGH
Communal value
HIGH
Dating to the late C19th these have survived almost complete and are of high quality and
interesting design, with many of their fittings also in situ. They visually form an impressive backdrop to the fine detailing of the chapel interior without being too intrusive.
They provide historic and modern seating provision.
Feature
Evidential Value
Ground
LOW
Floor rooms
Historic value
MEDIUM
Aesthetic value
Communal value
MEDIUM / LOW HIGH
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Conservation Statement for Bethesda Methodist Chapel
These three rooms demonstrate the changes which took place during World War II and
the demands which were placed on communities. They are clearly later insertions and
can be read as such with some interior walls cutting wall vents in half. Their intensive
historic use as school rooms and for community use gives them historic and communal
value. They continue to have value for exhibitions and other community uses. Their use
for storage somewhat detracts from their usefulness but in time this will hopefully cease
to be an issue as works progress.
Feature
Evidential Value
Pulpit and
LOW
communion
area
Historic value
MEDIUM
Aesthetic value
HIGH
Communal value
HIGH
An extremely fine pulpit and communion area in terms of design and materials, including high quality solid mahogany workmanship. The octagonal shape is popular with
early Methodist chapels and demonstrates the influence of John Wesley, who had a preference for this shape. It was the religious and communal focus of Methodist services and
today plays an important role for concerts and events. The oval communion area is also
unusual and also has high quality detailing. The pulpit visually dominates the ground
floor central space of the chapel.
Feature
Organ
Evidential Value
LOW
Historic value
HIGH
Aesthetic value
HIGH
Communal value
HIGH
The replacement organ is an example of a high quality Victorian organ but it is unfortunately out of context. To replace the original organ reduces its evidential and historic
value but having an historic working organ enhances the community and aesthetic value.
This is particularly so with this organ, as many people come to the chapel just to hear or
play it. It visually dominates the gallery and the orchestra area is evidence of the importance of music to the Methodists and the life of people in the historic Potteries area.
Feature
Memorials
Evidential Value
LOW
Historic value
HIGH
Aesthetic value
HIGH
Communal value
HIGH
The memorials around the chapel are of high quality workmanship and demonstrate the
range and number of important people connected with Bethesda, their lives and work.
Connections with key figures of the industrial revolution and the Potteries industry give
them historical value and help to tell the story of the development of the Chapel, Methodism and the Methodist New Connexion. They also demonstrate the importance of the
chapel in the daily lives of the people in the area.
Feature
Crypts
Evidential Value
HIGH
Historic value
HIGH
Aesthetic value
n/a
Communal value
HIGH
Without having access to the crypts it is difficult to fully assess their significance. However, we know that they are the resting places of many people important to the history of
the chapel and of the Potteries area. They are also very unusual architectural features for
a Methodist Church and places of memorial for the families of those interred. The lack of
Page 16
Conservation Statement for Bethesda Methodist Chapel
access reduces their communal and aesthetic value. There is a high potential for buried
remains within the early crypt and for evidence within the fabric of the later crypt of
construction as well as potentially early architectural features relating to its use.
Feature
Evidential Value
Windows,
LOW
including
stained glass
Historic value
HIGH
Aesthetic value
HIGH
Communal value
HIGH
The stained glass windows are extremely good examples of historic stained glass and
visually very appealing. They are also valuable as memorials. Other windows are also of
high quality and of good proportions. The blocked up windows to the north are visible
evidence of the physical changes to the building and particularly the expansion of the
1799 chapel.
Feature
Ceiling and
roof
Evidential Value
MEDIUM
Historic value
MEDIUM
Aesthetic value
HIGH
Communal value
n/a
The replacement ceiling is of high quality and visually pleasing but as it is a replacement
it has little historic value, apart from in its replica design. It provides a suitable design of
ceiling for the chapel. Whilst not now visible, the roof trusses and beams above are important historically for demonstrating early C18th craftsmanship and the various building stages of the building.
Feature
Evidential Value
Archaeology HIGH
Historic value
HIGH
Aesthetic value
n/a
Communal value
HIGH
The archaeological value of the site and surrounding area is potentially very high, particularly for evidence of the C18th and C19th pottery industries and possibly for evidence of the earlier town. The fabric of the chapel provides archaeological evidence of its
alterations and changes throughout its life and is valuable for providing research opportunities in this regard.
Feature
Ecology
Evidential Value
n/a
Historic value
n/a
Aesthetic value
n/a
Communal value
n/a
The chapel itself has very little ecological value and because it has little land today this
is unlikely to change. However, all opportunities for enhancing the ecology of the site
should be explored during any future works.
Feature
Setting
Evidential Value
HIGH
Historic value
HIGH
Aesthetic value
MEDIUM
Communal value
HIGH
The setting of the chapel is extremely important to understanding the development
of the chapel itself, the potteries industry, and the town of Hanley and Stoke on Trent.
There is a good concentration of local services and amenities and associations with many
of the surviving historic buildings in the area, including those which previously were
Page 17
Conservation Statement for Bethesda Methodist Chapel
associated with the chapel. The unimaginative treatment of the triangle area diminishes
the value of the street scene and does nothing to reflect the history and development of
the area. There is potential for burials in the former burial ground and below ground
archaeological evidence relating to the development of Hanley and the Potteries.
Feature
Evidential Value
Archives,
HIGH
historic
records, and
interpretation
Historic value
HIGH
Aesthetic value
MEDIUM
Communal value
HIGH
The vast amount of research material associated with the Chapel and with the historic
development of the area is extremely useful for future research projects, for encouraging
community involvement, and as media for developing exhibitions, guidebooks, use on
social media and so on. The fact that it is available in archives and local study centres for
public use also increases its value. There is potential for further study and interpretation
of the chapel.
4.
Condition, Issues, Capacity for Change and Opportunities
A fabric condition survey has recently been commissioned by the HCT, to be produced
by Michael Atkinson Architecture & Heritage in March 2016, as part of their review of
their Asset Management Plan. However, it will be useful to identify here where the condition of the fabric or features of interest affect their significance or value and any other
issues of note. This has been used in conjunction with the above tables to identify capacity for change to inform future re-use of the chapel.
Some authorities see the identification of capacity for change as justification for inappropriate works or removal of historic fabric. Where a feature or building has been identified as having a high or moderate capacity this does not necessarily mean that the feature
or building has no value and all care should be taken to undertake change in a sensitive
and informed manner. The identification of capacity for change should be used only as a
guide and in conjunction with the policies set out below, in local development plans and
national legislation and guidance. It is strongly advised that input from qualified, accredited and experienced conservation and other specialists is used to inform decisions and
to carry out works. Listed Building Consent (LBC) and / or Planning Permission (PP) or
other permissions may be required for certain works.
The numbering system in the tables below has been adopted from The Prince’s Regeneration Trust (2009) How to: Write Conservation Reports:
Capacity for Change
7, 8
Very low
capacity for
change
Highly fragile and very vulnerable to change and neglect. Only capable of accepting minimal interventions carried out with great care if
these avoid compromising significance. A conservation approach is
needed.
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Conservation Statement for Bethesda Methodist Chapel
5, 6
Low capacity Vulnerable to change and neglect. Capable of accepting some changes
for change
if these avoid compromising significance. A conservation approach
needed.
Moderate
Capable of accepting a number of changes without compromising
capacity for significance. Significance must inform proposals.
change
High capaci- Very major or major interventions possible without compromise to
ty for change significance.
3, 4
1, 2
4.1
The chapel as a whole
Feature
The Chapel as a
whole
4.2
Capacity for Notes
Change
6
The overall form of the building bears little capacity for
change. It has been made watertight through the recent
LBC
repair works but substantial work is still required to the inPP
terior. As can be seen from the above assessment there are
so many features of interest that it is difficult to see where
change would not compromise the significance and value
of the building. It is important to support and build upon
the efforts of the Friends and their various new uses for the
building to ensure it has a sustainable future. Some minor
changes might be possible providing they are based on a
thorough understanding of their impact on the significance
of the building and providing they contribute overall to
enhancing the value of the chapel, such as the introduction
of heating and electricity.
Features of Interest
Feature
Frontage
Capacity for Notes
Change
7
The frontage has been restored. Its balanced formal architectural design affords little room for change. Efforts
LBC
should be made to encourage use of the front entrances
PP
by visitors in order that they may fully appreciate the
architectural experience of entering the chapel. The front
boundary wall and railings are typical of Methodist chapels and should be retained, although change relating to
repair or security should be possible providing careful design and sympathetic materials are utilised. Impact on the
character of the Conservation Area should also be considered during any change.
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Conservation Statement for Bethesda Methodist Chapel
Exterior
7
LBC
PP
Vestries (external 3
and internal committee room)
LBC
PP
Hallways and
Stairs
6
Internal Space
6
LBC
LBC
Pews
7
LBC
Apart from a few spalled bricks the exterior walls are in
generally good condition. Again the architectural design
gives few opportunities for change. A gentle clean of the
brickwork could enhance its aesthetic appeal but its current patina is also attractive and demonstrates its age. The
gates to the parking area next to the vestry are effective
but unattractive. The blocking up of the crypt entrance is
understandable but diminishes its value and is aesthetically
unappealing.
The external vestry gives the opportunity of creating much
needed services for the building, such as toilets. Its poor
condition detracts from its value but its historic significance and its association with the chapel means that it
should be retained and repaired using suitable materials.
Any internal features of interest should be retained if possible (unable to specify due to lack of access). The vestry
/ committee room inside the chapel retains some minor
historic features. It is a useful space for exhibitions or
visitor services. There is some capacity for a change of use
(for example to perhaps a tea point or shop) in the future,
providing all services are sensitively introduced.
These are functional and attractive spaces and provide the
important entrance into the main body of the chapel. Increasing physical access to the gallery is an important goal
but the stairs, balustrades, floor tiles and panelling should
be retained.
It is important to retain the large open interior of the
building undivided as it increases understanding of the
building and contributes to the ‘wow’ factor. Further subdivision of this space should be avoided except for temporary divisions for events etc. Separation of the gallery from
the ground floor is strongly advised against.
The pews are in excellent condition and should if at all
possible be retained. The future uses for the chapel should
consider their retention in any scheme and current uses
of the chapel mean that they are useful for events and
concerts. Further research to identify family pews would
prove interesting and informative. Since much of their
value comes from the overall completeness and quality,
any adaption of the pews to increase access should be very
carefully considered. Where possible any alterations of
this nature should only be carried out on pews and seating
which have already been altered, recording any changes as
necessary.
Page 20
Conservation Statement for Bethesda Methodist Chapel
Ground floor
rooms
5
Pulpit and communion area
7
Organ
5
LBC
LBC
LBC
Memorials
7
LBC
Crypts
?
LBC
These rooms would benefit from appropriate redecoration with the retention of the wood grained panelling. The
stained glass windows in the dividing wall are awaiting
repair. There are opportunities for future use as exhibition
areas and community uses beyond that for which they are
used at the moment. Whilst these are later features they are
significant because they tell a part of the story of the later
use of the chapel and significant point in world history.
These extremely important features are essential to understanding the history of the building and demonstrate
the high quality of workmanship and important social
status of the chapel. They are fundamental to the original
purpose and subsequent history of the chapel. They have
recently been repaired. Minor adaptation might be possible providing it is based on a thorough understanding of
the architectural detail of these features and is required to
ensure the sustainable future of the chapel and cannot be
provided in any less damaging way.
The replacement of the organ diminishes its value and
allows room for change in the future. It is important that
a suitable organ is working and in place to support the
future re-uses of the chapel and to entertain visitors.
The memorials are key features of the chapel and their
association with the key historical figures of the area and
significance as family memorials means that they should
not be removed. They are valuable for the families of the
people commemorated and have a religious significance.
They are starting to show signs of wear and at least one is
badly cracked - loss of the inscriptions would reduce their
significance. They should be recorded properly to ensure
there is a good record of their design and wording. Accessible interpretation of the people and their contribution to
the chapel and the town would enhance their significance.
Not possible to assess the condition of the crypt due to
lack of access. The blocking up of the crypt entrance is
understandable but diminishes its value and is aesthetically unappealing. This is an opportunity for enhancing
the value of the crypt and the chapel as a whole by providing public access. Adaptation through the introduction of
an appropriately designed secure door or gate should be
possible without harming its significance. If public access
were not possible it would be suitable to archaeologically
record the vaults and provide interpretation about them
within the chapel.
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Conservation Statement for Bethesda Methodist Chapel
Windows, includ- 7
ing stained glass
LBC
Ceiling and Roof
4 (ceiling)
6 (roof
structure)
LBC
Archaeology
n/a
Ecology
n/a
Setting
n/a
PP
Archives, historic n/a
records and interpretation
The stained glass windows are perhaps the most important
window features and should be maintained and retained.
They are important memorials and positively contribute
to understanding the history of the chapel. The blocked in
windows help visitors to understand the early beginnings
of the chapel. They are currently bare brick with no plaster.
Since their significance lies in their representation of a former layout and earlier chapel plan it is desirable to visually
retain these features as readable alterations. For example,
replacement plaster could define the window shape, by
indenting it into the window recess, so that they can still
be read as blocked windows in the future. The other windows are of lesser but still valuable historic interest and are
appropriate to the design and status of the chapel. Every
attempt should be made to preserve and conserve historic
material.
The roof has been comprehensively repaired. The roof timbers are historically and architecturally most important.
It would be useful in the future to have an archaeological
record made of the roof structure. The ceiling is of lesser
significance but copies an historic design and provides a
suitable ceiling for the chapel which is neither too ornate
nor too plain. If there were strong reasons for altering
the ceiling in the future, such as it was causing damage to
other parts of the building, this is likely to be acceptable.
Various parts of the building would benefit from being
recorded, as set out above. Any ground works within the
vicinity of the chapel should have an archaeological watching brief. Advice can be obtained from the local authority
heritage team.
There are limited opportunities for enhancing the ecological value of the site. For example, a few plants attractive
to bees, birds and butterflies could be planted around the
parking spaces between the chapel and the vestry.
Control over the setting of the chapel is mostly beyond the
remit of the HCT and Friends. However, liaison with the
local planning authority would help to preserve the historic context of the chapel and improve it where necessary.
HCT and the Friends should be prepared to comment on
planning applications affecting the setting of the chapel.
Repairs to the vestry, appropriate gates and a new entrance
gate or door to the crypt are opportunities for improvements.
The small exhibitions within the chapel are extremely
interesting and have been well received by visitors. There
are opportunities for permanent professionally presented
interpretation and exhibitions, which could be funded as
a package with repair works, perhaps in one of the ground
floor rooms. There are opportunities for further study and
interpretation of the historic resources.
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Conservation Statement for Bethesda Methodist Chapel
5.
Outline Policies and Actions
Policy HCT BC01. To preserve and enhance the significance of Bethesda Chapel by
adopting this Conservation Statement.
Policy HCT BC02. To continue to maintain, repair and conserve the chapel and its features using appropriate conservation materials and recognised good practice.
Policy HCT BC03. To continue to use qualified, accredited and experienced conservation and other specialists to advise on future works or specialist repair.
Policy HCT BC04. To consult the Friends of Bethesda Chapel and other local and wider
stakeholders on significant matters affecting the site.
Policy HCT BC05. To find appropriate and sustainable uses of the listed buildings to
ensure their financial security, future maintenance and encourage public access whilst
retaining the significance of the site.
Policy HCT BC06. To use the most sensitive and appropriate options for providing new
services and access for the building (e.g, avoiding long runs of cables, utilising existing
holes for new services, investigating reversible options for heating, locating some services in the external vestry, etc) in order to support Policy HCT BC05.
Policy HCT BC07: To facilitate and encourage engagement and understanding of the
historic buildings by the local and wider community as a means of ensuring they are
valued as buildings and historic sites.
Policy HCT BC08: To use appropriate advice (e.g. such as that provided by the War Memorials Trust’s website: http://www.warmemorials. org/a-z/) in relation to the conservation of the fabric and inscriptions of the memorials in the chapel.
Policy HCT BC09: To archaeologically record the building or features, especially those
as identified above, prior to any interventions and ensure this record is lodged with the
appropriate authorities (e.g. Stoke on Trent Council’s Historic Environment Record /
Archives).
Policy HCT BC10: To monitor relevant planning applications, local planning policy
documents, and developments.
Policy HCT BC11: To provide either physical or intellectual access to the crypt.
6.
Adoption and Review
This statement will be adopted by Historic Chapels Trust and shared with stakeholders to
be used to inform regular maintenance, future funding bids, and specifications for future
conservation or development works. It is recommended that this Statement is reviewed
or updated every five years or when there is a substantial change for the building, setting,
ownership or any of its features (e.g. repair works to the external vestry or supply of new
services).
Page 23
Conservation Statement for Bethesda Methodist Chapel
7.Acknowledgements
The Griffiths Heritage Consultancy gratefully acknowledges Historic England for funding this report and the assistance and support of the staff of Historic Chapels Trust and
the Friends of Bethesda Chapel in the preparation of this report. In particular thanks
go to Roland Jeffery, Steve Pilcher, John Booth, Sarah Alexander, Roberta Higson, and
Elaine Sutton for their time and assistance. Unless otherwise acknowledged all text and
photographs by The Griffiths Heritage Consultancy Ltd.
8.
References and Bibliography
The following are sources which have been used to inform this study and for further
reading and research. It is not necessarily a complete list of the resources available for
this site and additional sources can be found via the HCT guide and local archives.
Stoke-on-Trent Sites and Monuments Record
Yates’ map 1775
Ordnance Survey First Edition (1842)
Bakewell, J. (1848) The Jubilee of the Methodist New Connexion
Brownhill, P.E. (2002) Report to the Historic Chapels Trust on Bethesda Methodist Chapel,
Hanley, Stoke on Trent
City of Stoke on Trent (2010) City Centre Conservation Area Appraisal
Cramp, R. (2010) Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment for the University Boulevard Project, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire
Cross, F.L. & Livingstone, E. (eds) (2005) The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church
(3rd Ed).
Dobraszczyc, A. (1985) City of Stoke-on-Trent Historic Building Survey
Historic England. (1993) Bethesda Methodist Chapel: Listed Building Description (No.
1195821)
Jenkins, J.G. (ed) (1963) A History of the County of Stafford: Volume VIII
Kelly (1880) Directory of Staffordshire
Leigh, J. Anderson, J. and Booth, J (2010) Bethesda Methodist Chapel, Hanley Stoke-onTrent|: A History and Guide (HCT. London)
MagicMap (2015) National Landscape Typology – Definitive Attributes
Matthews, R.D. (2007) Timetables of History for Students of Methodism
Mountford, R. (1994) Treasures in Jars of Clay
Page 24
Conservation Statement for Bethesda Methodist Chapel
Pevsner, N. (1974) The Buildings of England: Staffordshire
Smith, H & Beard, A (1899) Bethesda Chapel a Centenary Record (The New Press Printing Company, (Hanley) Ltd)
Ward, J. (1843) Borough of Stoke-on-Trent on the Commencement of the Reign of Her Most
Gracious Majesty Queen Victoria.
Author unknown (undated) ‘Methodist Divisions in Stoke-on-Trent’. http://www.thepotteries.org/borough/011_m_div.htm [accessed 27/10/2015]
tion.
Page 25