Survey Data
Reg No
40402408
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Architectural, Social
Previous Name
Corlespratten National School
Original Use
Church/chapel
In Use As
Church/chapel
Date
1800 - 1805
Coordinates
227588, 300841
Date Recorded
10/07/2012
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Freestanding single-cell Methodist church, built 1803, having three-bay nave with gable-fronted single-bay porch to the east gable end, and single-bay lean-to vestry to south elevation of nave. Pitched roof with raised cut limestone barges and sections of cast-iron rainwater goods. Smooth ruled-and-lined rendered walls over rubble stone construction with recessed rendered plinth. Raised shield plaque near apex of front gable with inscription 'ERECTED 1803 / RESTORED 1903'. Pointed arch window openings to gables and entrance porch with chamfered reveals and painted sills. Paired round-headed windows to nave with shared sills. Round-headed window to vestry. Multiple-pane stained-glass windows. Square-headed door openings to porch and vestry, both with replacement sheeted timber door. Interior having carved timber altar table, pulpit, and baptismal font. Set in own grounds approached by straight drive bordered by rubble stone walls with square-profile rubble stone piers and wrought-iron gates. Detached five-bay single-storey hip-roofed school, built c.1870, to site.
Appraisal
A simple early nineteenth century Methodist church of plain design and decoration, characteristic of Methodist churches. Originally having had a thatch roof, the building was restored in 1903. John Wesley (1703-91), the founder of Methodism, is reputed to have preached on the rocks surrounding the church. The buildings stands as a testament to the long history and social heritage of the Methodist tradition in the area. The adjacent school reinforces its role as a focal point in the surrounding rural area.