Chapel & Museum of Primitive Methodism

In 1807 the first Camp Meeting was held at Mow Cop, organised by Hugh Bourne. This was the start of a grassroots movement which quickly spread from north Staffordshire across the country. The hearts and minds of miners and millworkers, farm labourers and fishermen were inspired by ‘Freedom, Equality and Fraternity’. Women became travelling preachers. A passion for social justice led many to become trade union leader and MPs.

Preaching began in Englesea Brook in 1811, in the cottage of Sarah Smith, a farm labourer’s wife. A Primitive Methodist society was formed, and continued to meet in people’s homes, until the chapel was built in 1828. It was substantially rebuilt in 1832, because it had become too small for their congregation. The chapel was built to look like a house as it was intended to be informal and homely. The Chapel is now closed as a regular place of worship.

Visitors are welcome to explore the Chapel and Museum, where we exhibit items from our extensive collection of Primitive Methodist artefacts, including a selection from the largest collection of religious banners in the UK. You can see the grave of Hugh Bourne and other Prims in our graveyard.