Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, Ramsbury

John Wesley preached on several occasions in Ramsbury around 1775 to 1777, addressing gatherings at Ramsbury Park Farm and in the large room at the workhouse. There was open hostility to the Methodists at first but the Edwards family at the Mill were prominent supporters and the movement became accepted. Ann Edwards bequeathed land to the Methodists in 1799 and c.1805 a chapel was buil,t behind buildings in the High Street. The movement prospered and in 1833 the chapel was enlarged and rebuilt to provide 43 free seats, 125 other seats and space for 30 people standing. In 1851 the numbers at services were recorded as 130 at morning service, 70 in the afternoon, and 169 in the evening, with 50 children at Sunday School. The chapel flourished during the 19th century but attendance declined in the early 20th century. In 1944 the Wesleyan Methodists joined with the Primitive Methodists, using the latter's chapel. The Wesleyan chapel was sold at auction for around £350 and later became the Scout Hall.