Postcard Ewin Family Collection
A Primitive Methodist Chapel was built in Great Ellingham in 1843. Although the Great Ellingham Tithe Map of 16th December 1843, lists the Baptist Chapel in Long Street, it does not list the Primitive Methodist Chapel in Church Street. However it may be that the associated survey to the Tithe Map was carried out before the chapel was built.
Clay Lump faced with Brick
Norfolk Heritage Explorer describes the chapel as “a building with thick walls and is possibly built from clay lump faced with brick. The front of the building is broad and gabled with gault brick dressings”.
In 1898, the chapel was indeed faced with brick. Before then, it may have looked very plain and functional. Indeed many earlier Primitive Methodist Chapels were less ornate than later built chapels.
School Room
To the rear of the chapel is a school room. This may not have been part of the original construction. Nevertheless the room was used for the Sunday School.
The following is a report found in the Downham Market Gazette of the 13th August, 1881:
GREAT ELLINGHAM
ANNIVERSARY - The Primitive Methodist Sunday School anniversary was celebrated on Sunday and Monday. On Sunday morning an excellent sermon was preached by Mr W. Wade of Norwich, to a large congregation, and in the afternoon and evening the children gave a number of appropriate recitations and dialogues in creditable style. On Monday the children had their annual treat on a meadow kindly lent by Mr. Warren. The day was beautifully fine, and the juveniles thoroughly enjoyed themselves. In the evening, a capital public meeting was held in the chapel. Mr J. Dye, the superintendent of the school, occupying the chair. Mr. Wade delivered an interesting address and the children again recited several pieces. The collections were very good, and the anniversary was one of the most successful ever held.
Great Ellingham Methodist Sunday School possibly early 40s. Young Cyril Edwards on the front left of the photograph
Ewin Family Collection
Stable
At the time the chapel was built, the main mode of transport for the people of the village was shank’s pony [walking], or a donkey or horse (with or without a cart). Accordingly it is no surprise to find that the chapel (like other significant buildings in the village), also had a stable.
The door of the stable at the Great Ellingham Methodist Chapel
February 2025
Electric Light
In 1936, local grocer Frederick Neeve generously gifted the installation of electric light in the chapel and school.
Similar Style
Nearby Deopham Green Primitive Methodist Chapel was built in 1837, some 6-7 years before Great Ellingham’s chapel. The style of the Deopham Green Chapel is similar to Great Ellingham. Both chapels have a central front door with a ‘fanlight’ above. There are windows on either side of the door, although Deopham Green windows are taller, arched and narrower.
Attleborough Methodist Chapel
Courtesy Attleborough Heritage Group
Later, many Methodist Chapels were erected in the ‘Gothic’ style. For example, the Methodist Chapel in London Road, Attleborough. This was built by A.F. Scott & Son.
Final Service at the Methodist Chapel
For well over 180 years, the chapel has been a place of worship for many individuals and families from the village and surrounds. It will have witnessed the life events of many.
The interior of Great Ellingham Methodist Chapel
February 2025
Sadly, over the years with dwindling numbers in the congregation, the church held its last service in the chapel in June 2025.
Sources:
Great Ellingham Tithe Map 1843. Tithe Apportionments, 1836-1929 [database online]. TheGenealogist.co.uk 2023. Original data: “IR29 Tithe Commission and successors: Tithe Apportionments” The National Archives
Norfolk Heritage Explorer website
13th August 1881 Downham Market Gazette viewed via The British Newspaper Archive
1896 Kelly’s Directory