Primitive Methodist Chapel, Cricklade
In 1825 the house of Richard Simmons was licensed for Primitive Methodist worship. The early congregation met with much opposition and were liable to be pelted with stones when they ventured onto the streets to go about their normal business. Not suprisingly the movemet declined but in 1832 a large room and premises, owned by Richard Palmer in Calcutt Street was licensed. Another license was issued for these premises in 1842 indicating that they were now owned by the Primitive Methodists.
The chapel was part of the renowned Brinkworth Circuit and in 1855 two cottages in Calcutt Street were bought, pulled down and a chapel built. The total cost was £320. The opening services were held on 30th March 1856. By 1857 the movement had again declined in Cricklade but it later recovered. In 1893 the chapel was reseated and a schoolroom/vestry built for £124. In 1903 the chapel was renovated and a new organ added. In the 20th century the two groups of Methodists in the town co-operated in many ways and after the First World War held joint mid-week services with the Congregationalists.
The chapel was part of the renowned Brinkworth Circuit and in 1855 two cottages in Calcutt Street were bought, pulled down and a chapel built. The total cost was £320. The opening services were held on 30th March 1856. By 1857 the movement had again declined in Cricklade but it later recovered. In 1893 the chapel was reseated and a schoolroom/vestry built for £124. In 1903 the chapel was renovated and a new organ added. In the 20th century the two groups of Methodists in the town co-operated in many ways and after the First World War held joint mid-week services with the Congregationalists.
In 1936 a trial period of amalgamation with the Wesleyan Methodists was carried out with the congregations meeting in each other's churches on alternate Sundays. This continued until the actual union of the two congregations on 20th June 1938, an event preceded by church sevices on Sunday 19th June. The new congregation, known as Cricklade Methodist Church, met at the Calcutt Street church while the 'priory' church of the Wesleyans was used for a united Sunday School. During the Second World War the 'Priory' church was lent to the local Civil Defence force and the Sunday School moved to Calcutt Street. After the war the Priory was taken over by Wiltshire County Council Education Department and the chapel was used as a schoolroom. Further information will be found under Cricklade Methodist Church.