The Englesea Brook Chapel and Museum of Primitive Methodism is located at Englesea Brook, a peaceful hamlet located between Sandbach and Crewe in the County of Cheshire in England. From April to October every year our Chapel and Museum are open to visitors. You can walk through our beautiful chapel, built in 1828, and get to know the story of Primitive Methodism through the artifacts and stories on display in our Museum. The Museum, built in 1914, was originally the Hugh Bourne Memorial School. Our Museum attracts visitors from all over the world as well as parties from local schools and church organisations, all of whom come to learn the story of Primitive Methodism.
Across the road is a small graveyard. Here lies Hugh Bourne, generally regarded as the founder of Primitive Methodism. His recently-restored memorial tells an amazing story of this working class revival aimed at returning Methodism to its roots.
Next to the Chapel and Museum stands the Caretaker’s Cottage which houses the Englesea Brook Library,. The Library contains many rare works connected to the history of Primitive Methodism, including books and pamphlets printed by James Bourne on the press at Bemersely Farm. This amazing collection tells the story of women preachers, trade union leaders, education, mission work, music, literature, faith and social justice, all in relation to the overarching story of Primitive Methodism.
The Cottage also contains a Reading Room where visitors can come to study or browse. It also houses a tea room and shop for those important tea-and-cake breaks and memento purchases.
We have worked hard to make the site accessible and our friendly staff and volunteers are happy to help if you need guiding around the site and if you would like our exhibitions and objects described in detail.
Our opening times and directions to find us can be found here