Description
This Grade II listed chapel is situated off Northgate, Heptonstall, and is one of the earliest Wesleyan chapels in the country. John Wesley laid the foundation stone for the unusual octagonal building which was completed in 1764, since when it has been in continuous use.
In 1795, it was decided that a Sunday School should be opened, as it was the only form of education that the poorer children could get. Even then, it would only be a basic schooling in reading and writing, but better than nothing.
The Chapel was originally built as a symmetrical octagon, but by 1802 there were 337 members and 1,002 scholars. To provide extra space, one end was pulled down and the side walls were extended. The extra space created by this enlargement enabled a new raised pulpit and a singing pew to be installed.
The present day Sunday School is just below the chapel and wasn't built until 1891.