Belper, Bridge Street Methodist New Connection chapel was built in 1838. In 1851 all the sittings were free. The standing room measured 10 yards by 12 yards and there were no pews. The building had been almost destroyed by fire in 1843 but was rebuilt in 1849
Sources
M Turner, Ed, The Derbyshire returns to the 1851 Religious Census, Derbyshire Record Society XXIII, 1995,p 127 (Belper Registration District, 446/55
The original chapel was burned down on 1843. It was rebuilt in 1849 but has since fallen into disuse
Bulmers Directory of Derbyshire, 1894-5, p 192
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Taken from The Derby Mercury for Wednesday October 11, 1843.
DESTRUCTIVE FIRE OF THE METHODIST NEW CONNEXION CHAPEL. TOP OF LONG-ROW, BELPER. – At half-past 3 o’clock yesterday morning the person living opposite to the chapel, perceived a light in a corner near the door as if it was on fire, and an alarm was instantly given. A considerable number of persons soon assembled, and when Mr. Allsop, wheelwright, who is also the leading man in the society at Belper, arrived, the doors were burst open, but, as soon as this was done, the fire increased in strength to an amazing degree, and before the two engines could be brought to the spot, the chapel was an entire wreck, and it now presents a complete picture of ruin and devastation; the entire roof, galleries, pulpit, singers’ pew, schoolbooks and library, being totally destroyed. The chapel we are however glad to hear, is insured in the Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Assurance Company, for £450. It is the almost unanimous opinion of the public, that the fire was the work of an incendiary, as no fires had been made in the chapel since winter, and there had been no meeting on the previous evening. And what strengthens this opinion is the fact that a person who lives adjoining the chapel, heard a noise in the night about 2 o’clock, and got up to the window. He thought that someone was stealing some rabbits that were kept on the outer premises, but not perceiving anyone there, though they still heard a noise which appeared to come from the direction of the chapel, they returned to rest again, till woke by the cries of fire! fire! when he stated to the persons assembled the above particulars. We would suppose that the Assurance Company before-named will cause the most strict and searching enquiries to be made, in order, if possible, that the villains who were concerned in this base and abominable act may be discovered, and meet with the just reward of their deeds.
From the 1851 Religious Census.
This chapel was nearly consumed by fire in 1843, rebuilt 1849. Signed: Alex Sanders, Superintendent and steward, Chapel Hollow, Belper.
From White’s Derbyshire Directory, 1857.
The New Connexion Methodists, had a neat brick chapel, in Short Row, which was destroyed by fire, in 1843. The fire happened in the night, and was supposed to be the work of an incendiary. A suit in chancery was the consequence. It was rebuilt in 1849, but is now not used
This page incorporates details from a previously published page on Short Row chapel, which appears to have been the same building.
By 1861 this chapel was no longer in use.
Reference:
Baggaly, William. A Digest of the Minutes, Institutions, Polity, Doctrines, Ordinances and Literature of the Methodist New Connexion. London: William Cooke, 1862
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