I visited the Bethesda Chapel, Hanley on Heritage Open Day 9 September 2023. The Chapel was the Midlands Winner of the BBC2 series "Restoration" in 2003 but came fourth in the national final so did not attract the investment prize. Known as the Cathedral of the Potteries, memorials in the chapel include to Job Meigh, George Ridgway, William Ridgway, William Moore, Thomas Allin, Thomas Allbut, Joseph Clementson, John Ridgway, William Ford, William Thom and Job Ridgway.
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One of the largest Nonconformist chapels outside London, the building has been known as the "Cathedral of the Potteries", being "one of the largest and most ornate Methodist town chapels surviving in the UK".
The first Methodist chapel on the site was built by the Methodist New Connexion in the late 18th century. Finding the building too small for their growing membership, the congregation replaced it with the current building in 1819, to the designs of a local amateur architect. The chapel is built over two stories and is in the Italianate style, with further work to expand the building completed in 1859 and 1887.
It became a Grade II* listed building in 1972, but this did not prevent it deteriorating. The chapel was closed for active worship in 1985, the size of the congregation having diminished. After passing through a number of owners, it was acquired by the Historic Chapels Trust in 2002 and is undergoing an extensive restoration scheme.
The Historic Chapels Trust obtained an estimate for the restoration, which amounted to £2.5m. Unable to meet the full amount, the Trust decided to undertake the restoration in phases. The first phase was completed in September 2007 at a cost of nearly £900,000, which included weatherproofing and major works to the roof. Of the money raised for this, £262,500 came from the Heritage Lottery Fund, £200,000 from English Heritage, £250,000 from Stoke-on-Trent City Council, and a further £20,000 was raised locally. The second phase of restoration commenced in August 2010 and was completed a year later. The Trust spent £600,000 restoring the galleries, staircases and pulpits, replacing the organ and renovating the exterior ironwork. Funds are currently being raised for the final phase of restoration, which will include installation of a new heating and lighting system.
The Historic Chapels Trust has set out a plan which identifies 27 potential uses for the building. These include concerts, weddings and civil partnerships, conferences and use as an exhibition space.
Special thanks to:
The Friends of Bethesda Chapel, Hanley for the Open Days and support.
The resource of History and Guide to the Chapel by Judith Leigh, John H Anderson and John S Booth.
The Historic Chapels Trust, Registered Charity and its fundraising.
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