Bullhouse Chapel
Millhouse Green, Yorkshire
This simple chapel has been here for over 300 years, it is the oldest independent non conformist chapel with continuous worship in the country.
It is built of grey sandstone, with roof tiles of the same material. All are welcome in this House of Prayer where people have come since the foundations were laid around 1360 by the Barnby family, the Lords of the Manor of Midhope (1354-1622). They used it as their private chapel until, impoverished by adherence to the Catholic faith after the Reformation, they had to sell the whole Manor. Some of the old benches in the gallery may have come from this time when there would have been no other seating.
During the time of the new owner, a Puritan merchant, a Jacobean pulpit was installed. It was high enough for the preacher to see out of the window.
When Godfrey Bosville of Gunthwaite Hall bought the Manor for £2256 in 1690 the chapel was falling into disrepair. He restored it in 1705, adding the porch, gallery and simple box pews. Most of these survive, and two have the names of their original tenants carved upon the doors. The church was significantly reordered in 1978.
The churchyard has wonderful views over the open moors and hills.
