John Wesley recorded in his Journal his only visit to Walsingham on Tuesday 30 October 1781. A society had been formed there two years earlier. After preaching, he walked amongst the ruins of the mediaeval abbey and the nearby friary. He regretted Henry VIII's lack of 'virtue' and 'public spirit' in allowing these magnificent buildings to fall into decay.

The congregation rented or built a small chapel in 1782. It was given up five years later and the congregation moved to a house in April 1787.

Walsingham was transferred from the huge Lynn Circuit in 1791 to a new circuit headed initially by Wells-next-the-Sea. Its name was changed to the Walsingham Circuit the following year.

A site just off the Friday Market at the southern end of the High Street was secured and the stone-laying for a chapel took place on 10 June 1793. It was opened on 8 June 1794 by Charles Boon, itinerant preacher stationed at Great Yarmouth. It was built of red brick with a pyramid-shaped tiled roof. Its doorway was flanked by two plain columns set beneath an open triangular pediment. Its cost was £750. It still has its original box pews in the gallery.

In 1846 the chapel was damaged by fire which had spread from a neighbouring house.

The congregation was much affected by the Reform dispute and the congregation was reduced to half its former numbers. The Wesleyan Reform meeting place was at a day school. It was licensed on 17 January 1851. The Reformers, now the UMFC, bought the Independent chapel in the town in 1868.

The Wesleyan chapel was transferred to the East Dereham Circuit in 1887 so was no longer head of a circuit.

Extensive internal renovations took place in 1888 at a cost of £105. A new schoolroom was built by Charles Tuthill of Fakenham in 1890 and cost £225.

Norfolk was so much affected by the loss of members in the Reform dispute that its circuits were dissolved at the beginning of the twentieth century and missions created. Walsingham was placed in the Mid-Norfolk Mission in 1906.

Primitive Methodism

Fakenham was the first Primitive Methodist circuit formed from the vast Norfolk Mission in 1823. Walsingham was included in the circuit. In 1837 the congregation moved to a rented barn at Swan Entry. In 1845 the foundation stones were laid there for a chapel, but it was not built until 1849. It was opened by Robert Key on 29 July 1849 and cost £304.

A great revival took place in 1851 which was described in the Primitive Methodist Magazine.

The Agricultural Workers' Union held meetings in the chapel in the 1870s despite Connexional and District prohibitions. Many local Primitive Methodists were active in Union affairs.

With the amalgamation which took place at Methodist Union, the Wesleyan and Primitive Methodist congregations combined. The final services in the Primitive Methodist chapel were held on 8 October 1933. The chapel was sold and became a house.

This beautiful listed building is the oldest Methodist chapel in East Anglia still in use for religious worship. Although there is currently no regular Methodist congregation at Walsingham, the chapel is open for visitors and occasional services are held there.

Entry written by: NV
Category: Place
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