Primitive Methodist Chapel, Purton
A meeting house was licensed for Primitive Methodists at Green Hill in the house of John Hunt on 11th November 1828. Early meetings also took place under an elm tree in Wills Lane and in the houses of members. Licences for these were; 4th December 1828 in the house of Uria Moall, 13th January 1833 in the house of William Maul, 31st December 1836 in the house of William Ellison, 31st December 1836 in the house of William Stealy. In 1843 a cottage was bought and converted to a chapel for £123. The early Methodists in Purton encountered much resistance to their worship and it was said that not until 1852 could they 'worship without fear'.
A growing congregation meant that a larger and more central chapel was needed and in 1856 the Upper Square Chapel was built. This was enlarged in 1893 to provide more seating and a school. The new memorial stone was laid on 7th August 1893 and the congregation met in a barn belonging to Mr Lewis of Blacklands Farm, Pavenhill, while the work was carried out. In 1911 a new heating system was installed while in 1912 the oil lamps were replaced by gas, which in their turn were replaced by electric lighting in 1927. A manse for the minister was built in 1953 but after the 1950s the congregation declined. The Wesleyan Methodists were in a similar position and it was decided that one Methodist Church would be sufficient for Purton.
A growing congregation meant that a larger and more central chapel was needed and in 1856 the Upper Square Chapel was built. This was enlarged in 1893 to provide more seating and a school. The new memorial stone was laid on 7th August 1893 and the congregation met in a barn belonging to Mr Lewis of Blacklands Farm, Pavenhill, while the work was carried out. In 1911 a new heating system was installed while in 1912 the oil lamps were replaced by gas, which in their turn were replaced by electric lighting in 1927. A manse for the minister was built in 1953 but after the 1950s the congregation declined. The Wesleyan Methodists were in a similar position and it was decided that one Methodist Church would be sufficient for Purton.
The churches united in September 1969. It was recommended that the Wesleyan Play Close chapel be the chosen building and this chapel was extensively altered and extended. During this period all Purton Methodists met in the Upper Square chapel until the Play Close chapel was re-opened in March 1973. The Upper Square chapel then became redundant and is now a private house.