Primitive Methodist Mission, Melksham

In 1829 the Primitive Methodist Mission, known at first as the Castle Combe Mission, was launched and established preaching places in both Melksham itself and the area to the east of the town known as Forest. A mission room was established in the town but the early years were difficult although membership eventually rose to 40. The town mission did not enjoy the success of the one at Forest, possibly because Primitive Methodism appealed particularly to farm workers, and by the end of 1863 the mission closed, having only six members by that time.