The first Methodist congregation in Tunbridge Wells met in the Presbyterian Chapel in Mount Sion.
The first chapel on the present side was erected in 1812 at a cost of £2000 plus £300 for the land. This picture of the building is by J J Dodd, and was published in 1841.
Alterations were made to the building in 1821 and 1831, to provided facilities for the Sunday School and other organisations. In 1840 the seating capacity was increased and the final alteration was in 1847 when the building was extended to the rear and a schoolroom added.
The original chapel was demolished in 1872 and the building we see today was erected at a cost of £5000, opening in 1873. As built it could seat 755 people.
The Church has a very attractive facade, with doors high up reached by a flight of steps from road level. The architect was Charles Bell of London. Willicombe and Oakley, a local firm, were the builders.
There are images of the Wesleyan Church in my Antique Postcard Album.
Vale Royal have an interesting web site here.
Digital photograph
Visitors to this album since June 2003
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