westgate primitive methodist chapel, westgate, nr bishop ... cs... · westgate primitive methodist...

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Westgate Primitive Methodist Chapel, Westgate, Nr Bishop Auckland, Co Durham, DL13 1LQ

Conservation Statement

for

Historic Chapels Trust

February 2016

1. Introduction

Historic Chapels Trust (HCT) is in the process of reviewing its Asset Management Plan. It gratefully acknowledges funding from Historic England to commission a series of Conservation Statements for all of its historic churches, chapels and meeting houses, of which this statement is one.

A Conservation Statement is a summary of a heritage asset, including what it is, why it is important, what the current situation is, and what needs to be done to look after it in the future. It is often written on the basis of existing knowledge, identifying any gaps or areas for future research.

This Conservation Statement is based on the advice contained within: English Heritage’s (Historic England) (2008) Conservation Principles Policies and Guidance for the Sus-tainable Management of the Historic Environment (London); The Prince’s Regeneration Trust’s (2009) How to: Write Conservation Reports; and the second Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) guidance Conservation Management Plans (2004) (which includes advice on Conservation Statements). It has been commissioned by Historic Chapels Trust and benefits from the valuable input of the local community of Westgate. It has been pro-duced by The Griffiths Heritage Consultancy Ltd. All orientations are by the compass.

1.1 Westgate Methodist Chapel

Westgate Primitive Methodist Chapel, Westgate, Nr Bishop Auckland, Co. Durham, DL13 1LQ.

Westgate Chapel is located on the north side of the A689 in the small village of Westgate, in Weardale, Co.Durham. It is approximately 32km west from Durham and 4km west of Stanhope. The chapel has an integral school room attached with flat above and there is also a small range of outbuildings. It is adjacent to the pavement and surrounded by fields behind.

Fig. 1 Location maps (© Streetmap 2015)

Westgate Chapel is Listed Grade II*(list entry No. 1232510), which includes the attached school room. It is of ‘more than special interest’ (the definition of a II*) because it retains its complete Victorian form inside and out, with very little alteration, and for retaining

Conservation Statement for Westgate Methodist Chapel

the remains of the earlier chapel to the west. The outbuildings are within the curtilage of the building and are subject to listed building legislation. There are two other listed buildings in Westgate (Fell View Cottage and Haswick’s Bridge) but neither seems to be historically associated with the chapel. The chapel is also within: the Westgate Con-servation Area which was designated in 1993; the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), and the North Pennines Global Geopark. There is currently no appraisal available for the Conservation Area. The River Wear runs through the vil-lage parallel to the main road and the Chapel and school room sit on the boundary of a floodrisk area.

HCT is the freehold owner of the chapel and is a secular charity dealing with places of worship of non-Anglican churches, chapels and meeting houses that are no longer in use by their religious denominations. The chapel remains a registered place of worship and falls under listed building and planning legislation. There is a local key holder but no for-mal Friends group. The key holder provides visitors with access to the building, admits tradesmen who carry out basic maintenance, and undertakes fund raising and organis-ing of events.

2. Understanding

Some work has already been undertaken regarding the history and development of the Chapel. It is not the place here to repeat this but to summarise and use this information to inform the statement of significance. Useful resources for research are cited at the end of this document. A short history and guide for the site has been produced and is avail-able from HCT.

2.1 Development

During the C18th and C19th centuries Weardale was a hive of industrial, mining and agricultural activity. Small settlements expanded along Weardale and the extension of the railways in the second half of the C19th around Stanhope brought more people to the area and allowed the local economy to flourish. Westgate finally saw the railway line extended through it to Wearhead in 1895.

The original chapel on the site dates from 1824. This chapel was incorporated in what

Conservation Statement for Westgate Methodist Chapel Conservation Statement for Westgate Methodist Chapel

Fig. 2 Westgate Conservation Area (© Durham County Council)

is today the school room and a new chapel, dated 1871, was built alongside, designed by George Race Jnr and Atkinson. The building is side entry plan with a principal en-try chapel to the west and school room to the east. This is a large and handsome chapel which stands as testimony to the strength of Primitive Methodism in the Wear Valley.

Methodism flourished in the area, with the first preachers visiting in 1742 and the establishment of a preaching circuit in 1757 but in reaction to its evolution, Primitive Methodism began in England, in the early 1800’s, as an attempt to restore the Methodist Revival begun by John Wesley. An American preacher called Lorenzo Dow came to Eng-land and spoke enthusiastically about Wesley’s field preaching or camp meetings. Two Englishmen, Hugh Bourne and William Clowes attended these meetings and in 1807 called for a return to field preaching and the older ways of Methodism. Lack of accept-ance by the Methodist Church led to the formation of a breakaway group, known as the Primitive Methodists. A camp meeting for over 200 was held in Westgate in 1823, close to where Westgate Chapel is now situated. Westgate became the hub of Primitive Meth-odist activity in the area and the first chapel was built in 1824, just one year after the first field meeting. It was built by local miners and funded by public subscription.

Fig. 3. 1858 Ordnance Survey Map: England and Wales - showing the 1824 chapel

The population of the area and the congregation continued to grow and a new larger chapel, capable of holding 500 people was constructed in 1871, with the old building be-ing converted into the new school room. The new building was designed by George Race Jnr and Atkinson. Race Jnr was a prominent local Methodist and whose memorial tablet is in the chapel.

Fig. 4. 1895/6 Ordnance Survey Map: England and Wales, showing the 1871 chapel

The rear and west walls of the original chapel were utilised in the new school room and the external stairs indicate that this may have been a first floor chapel (English Heritage 1987). The new chapel had 135 years of continuous use but closed for worship in 2007. It was transferred to the Historic Chapels Trust in 2009 and a first phase of repair works was completed by 2012.


2.2 Architectural Features

ExteriorThe building is a simple typically Methodist chapel built in the classical revival style. The front of the chapel alongside the road is in fact its south side. The chapel is a two storey building of five bays constructed of roughly coursed sandstone with sandstone quoins, plinth and cornices. On its south frontage it has a western panelled door with pilasters and a rounded keystone arch with fanlight and two twin doorways at the east end with the same features. The doors retain their original door furniture. On the ground floor the four windows are square headed with margin lights glazed with coloured glass, raised frames and aprons. The five first floor windows are of similar design with round headed arches and again with margin lights of coloured glass. In between the upper and lower sets of windows are decayed inscribed panels. The school room is attached to the east end and is slightly lower in height resulting in a stepped roof and set back slightly. It is of the same visual construction and design features but is of three bays. It seems likely that the front was reconstructed when the new chapel was built.

There is an external stone stair-case to the rear of the school house and to the north of this is a small outbuilding, which was perhaps previously a stable or trap house, with a later toilet / coal area around the corner.

Fig. 6 The outbuilding, stable or trap house


Fig. 5. Floorplan (extracted from Ryder, 2003 & 2005)

N

InteriorThe interior survives almost complete and as it was designed in 1871. Through the entrance door one enters a lobby with two staircases leading to the gallery. The lobby retains two stained glass roundel windows. The staircases appear original with newel posts and balusters.

The gallery is supported by seven cast iron columns painted to represent marble and with gilded foliate capitals cast in rich relief with open-carved details. These are continued up through the gallery to form arcades on the gallery level.


Fig. 7. Roundel window in lobby with original coloured glazing

Fig. 9 Ground floor (left) and gallery columns and capitals

Fig. 8 Pew

Two panelled doors at either end of the lobby open into the main body of the chapel which retains a com-plete set of pitch pine pews, with a double row in the centre and single rows at the sides. The pews have shaped ends, painted numbers and umbrella holders.

Fig. 10 Pulpit and communion area

The pulpit is raised and centrally placed, accessed by a single stair-case. It has panelling below and a decorative cast iron balustrade which matches that of the gallery. The pulpit is surrounded by a communion area with communion table and commun-ion rail supported by decorative cast iron uprights.

At the south west and north west corners are wonderful curved panelled doors, with early automatic closing systems, leading into the vestries. The vestries are partially panelled with built in benches. The south one has an external door and the north one a fireplace and access to a storage area under the organ.

Fig. 12 The Organ

The gallery also retains a full complement of raked pitch pine pews, with seven rows at the east end and four at the sides, which curve round at the west end to meet the organ.

Fig. 13 The pews in the gallery

The coved ceiling has a simple grid pattern of decora-tive plasterwork with round decorative ventilators in the form of ceiling roses set within each internal panel.

Fig. 14 Ceiling with decorative ventilator

The chapel retains a large number of original fixtures and fittings including door han-dles, lamps, memorials and curtain screens. There are also a number of pieces of loose furniture including a chair which has been signed by George Race in pencil and a large amount of old sheet music. The memorials include a plaque to George Race’s father (also


Fig. 11 Curved door to vestry

The organ, by H J Nelson & Co, dates from 1900. It is located above and behind the pulpit at gallery level. It is an impressive instrument and has been awarded a Grade II* Historic Organ Certificate by the British Institute of Organ Studies (BIOS) and is listed on the BIOS National Pipe Organs Register. A rail runs along the balcony here presumably indicating space for the choir.

George) and a WWI memorial plaque. In one place is an area left unpainted during the new decorations which shows signs of the previous schemes of decoration.

Fig. 17 Previous

decorative schemeFig. 15 George Race’s signature Fig. 16 Curtain screen

Adjacent to the eastern end of the chapel is the school room, with matchboard panelled walls, floorboards, hat pegs and an original staircase leading up to what is now a flat. The flat contains few interesting features apart from a fireplace surround with a very large hearth stone, plank doors, deep set windows with chamfered edges and some possibly original decoration in one room. The fireplace is situated against the east wall and it is interesting to speculate whether this may have been part of the first chapel.

Fig. 18 School room Fig. 19 Original (?) decoration in flat

2.3 Archaeology and Ecology

Few ecological records have been found for the site, although the existence of a range of farmland birds, including the rare black grouse, has been noted for this site. Westgate is, of course, located within the North Pennines AONB, which is designated because of its significant landscape value. The AONB has also recently been designated by UNESCO as a Global Geopark, putting it alongside World Heritage Sites (North Pennines AONB, 2015) for its geological value and one of only seven Global Geoparks in the UK.

Whilst the current village of Westgate is noted as a post medieval settlement, evidence of much prehistoric activity has been found in this area, including a number of Mesolithic flints and Neolithic stone axes. A group of Bronze Age burials are situated on Crawley Edge whilst at Heathery Burn a Bronze Age hoard was discovered. The site of a possible Iron Age settlement is at Brian’s Folds. Other prehistoric remains such as field systems


can still be seen on the hills that consist of areas of earthen or stone built banks and enclosures.

Evidence of Roman activity has been found in the area and extensive features relating to lead mining. The medieval period is dominated by features relevant to the Stanhope me-dieval deer park. Westgate contains the site of a C14th pele tower or hunting lodge, now known as Westgate Castle (Scheduled Ancient Monument). This was the western gate to the Bishop of Durham’s hunting park (Stanhope Park) in Weardale. The building was also used for forest courts from 1442 and later as a residence. In 1647 it is described as ‘now demolished’ and the last remains cleared when the school building was constructed in 1819 (Durham HER, Historic England, and Archaeology Data Service). The Bishop of Durham’s deer park was located between Westgate and Eastgate, each being the location of an entrance to the deer park: one to the east side and one to the west.

The post medieval settlement comprises mainly of farms, cottages, agricultural features and extensive features relating to lime quarrying and lead mining. During this period there was a substantial period of development of facilities such as schools, chapels, and other civic buildings along Weardale, to support the local population.

There are many entries relating to the above on the Historic Environment Record (HER)for Westgate and it would appear that the likelihood of buried remains in the area would be reasonably high.

Fig. 20HER Record (© Durham

CountyCouncil). Red

is the chapel and yellow are HER

records.

2.4 Setting

The chapel is located to the west end of the small village / hamlet, adjacent to the road. It is surrounded to the north by open fields and within the North Pennine Area of Out-standing Natural Beauty. A narrow grassed ‘corridor’ has been left between the rear wall of the chapel and the stone field wall behind it. The outbuildings are not shown on the historic maps until 1919 but it is presumed that they are earlier because of their character and construction. Its location in Weardale is linked to the beginnings of the Primitive Methodist Movement and its construction associated with the local miners and agricul-tural workers. It forms an attractive group with the many other historic stone properties within the village.

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3. Significance

3.1 Overall Statement of Significance

One of the earliest Primitive Methodist chapels and associated with the begin-nings of the movement, with a very well preserved and largely intact Victorian form and interior, with all its associated high quality fixtures and fittings, dem-

onstrating the confidence of the movement at this time which had locally dis-placed the Established church as the denomination of widest adherence.

3.2 Supporting Information for Overall Statement of Significance

Feature Evidential Value Historic value Aesthetic value Communal valueThe chapel as a whole, inc. school room and flat

HIGH HIGH HIGH HIGH

Westgate was undoubtedly at the heart of Primitive Methodism in Weardale and prob-ably the surrounding countryside, as, according to Patterson (1909), the first class was formed at Westgate in 1822 and the first camp meeting in 1823. As the current build-ing incorporates the remains of one (if not the first) of the earliest Primitive Methodist chapels in an area which vigorously welcomed the new movement, the building has a special historical and religious interest. Its virtually complete form and interior provide a vast amount of evidence of the Victorian style of Methodist buildings as well as of the extremely high standards of the local craftsmen. The exterior is subtle and positively contributes to the historic character of the village. The interior is a visual delight with considerable attention to detail and quality. The communal value is most prevalent his-torically when it would have been the religious, social and educational centre of the com-munity, if not the Dale. The chapel is located within three designated areas; the conserva-tion area; the AONB; and the Global Geopark - highlighting the importance of the area for its history, landscape value, and scientific interest. The potential for hidden remains under the buildings or within the built structure of the flat or outbuildings is medium to high.

3.3 Features of Interest

Feature Evidential Value Historic value Aesthetic value Communal valueExterior LOW MEDIUM MEDIUM HIGH

The exterior has a relatively subtle scheme of decoration but nevertheless of architectural interest as an example of a Victorian Methodist chapel surviving in its original form. The materials are local and positively contribute to the overall character and appearance of the conservation area and the landscape character of the AONB. It has a prominent location at the west end of the village. The building retains the north and west wall of the original 1824 chapel and there is also an external staircase which may be evidence of a first floor chapel.


Feature Evidential Value Historic value Aesthetic value Communal valueLobby & staircases

LOW MEDIUM LOW HIGH

These areas are essential to the functionality of the building but only retain a few features of architectural or historic interest. They are important communication corridors for the congregation. The staircases appear to be original, as does the lobby wall and doors separating the corridor from the chapel.

Feature Evidential Value Historic value Aesthetic value Communal valuePews LOW HIGH HIGH HIGH

The pews as a complete set of attractive and useful fixed furniture and as part of the com-plete Victorian interior have a high evidential and historic value. They continue to hold some community value in relation to the potential reuse of the chapel and clearly have historic communal value. They create an impressive collection and are visually imposing. Their surviving detailing is impressive.

Feature Evidential Value Historic value Aesthetic value Communal valueColumns LOW MEDIUM HIGH MEDIUM

While cast iron columns are not rare in Methodist chapels, these are of particularly high quality both in their design and in their decoration. They serve a functional use and demonstrate some of the more rarely surviving decorative techniques of the Victorian period.

Feature Evidential Value Historic value Aesthetic value Communal valueGallery LOW HIGH HIGH HIGH

The gallery has a high visual impact and includes some beautiful decorative work. The basic design is typical of Methodist chapels but preserved here in its original form and with original decoration. The views of the chapel from the gallery are impressive.

Feature Evidential Value Historic value Aesthetic value Communal valuePulpit and communion area

LOW HIGH HIGH HIGH

As the focus of worship, these areas have a high religious, social and communal value. They are also highly decorative and as part of the preserved whole are important histori-cally and evidentially.

Feature Evidential Value Historic value Aesthetic value Communal valueVestries LOW MEDIUM LOW HIGH

The vestries retain some original fittings but seem to have always been quite simple Page 10


rooms. They are a typical part of a planned Methodist chapel. By far the best features are the curved doors. They have potential to be of value in the future re-use of the building.

Feature Evidential Value Historic value Aesthetic value Communal valueOrgan LOW MEDIUM HIGH HIGH

The organ, is recognised by BIOS as being of national significance and also provides a magnificent backdrop to the pulpit. It is also in working condition and an instrument by an important organ builder and therefore of potential use in the future.

Feature Evidential Value Historic value Aesthetic value Communal valueCeiling LOW MEDIUM MEDIUM MEDIUM

The ceiling is perhaps most important for retaining its original plaster decoration and for being part of the original Victorian scheme of decoration. Unfortunately its current condition detracts from its value.

Feature Evidential Value Historic value Aesthetic value Communal valueFixtures and fittings, archives and artefacts

LOW HIGH HIGH HIGH

Many of the small items around the church have a value which exceeds their physical size. These are the types of features which are commonly lost over time and replaced with inappropriate items. The loose furniture, if designed by George Race as it appears, is of value for contributing to the completeness of the whole. There may be some docu-ments / music which are of interest and further research should be undertaken. Durham Council has a particularly good heritage system and there are opportunities to undertake historic and archaeological research in the area relating to the chapel (see below) which would enhance its value by increasing understanding.

Feature Evidential Value Historic value Aesthetic value Communal valueSchool room HIGH HIGH LOW HIGH

The school room on the ground floor retains some original features and is highly likely to retain evidence of the original chapel building from 1824. In its current condition it has little aesthetic value but as a former Sunday school it has historical communal value and potential for supporting the future re-use of the building.

Feature Evidential Value Historic value Aesthetic value Communal valueFlat MEDIUM MEDIUM LOW HIGH

The flat also has few original features but those which survive may help us to understand the original nature of the 1824 chapel and the use of the chapel in the later Victorian period. It also has potential to support the future re-use of the chapel.


Feature Evidential Value Historic value Aesthetic value Communal valueOutbuildings MEDIUM MEDIUM LOW MEDIUM

The outbuildings include evidence of a previous way of life and have a certain vernacular charm. They tell us about the transport systems available and how facilities were provided for throughout the ages. They will provide a useful space to support the future re-use of the chapel. It is likely that they have some built archaeological potential.

Feature Evidential Value Historic value Aesthetic value Communal valueArchaeology HIGH HIGH n/a HIGH

There is a high probability of below ground archaeological features in the area. The build-ing itself also has archaeological potential for recording former paint schemes and for fully understanding the alteration of the original 1824 chapel and recording that which survives today. There is potential to involve the local community with archaeological investigation and recording.

Feature Evidential Value Historic value Aesthetic value Communal valueSetting HIGH HIGH HIGH HIGH

The village of Westgate has an extremely interesting history, especially that which relates to the founding of the chapel and the people who helped to construct it. Visually Weardale is stunning and Westgate an extremely attractive village - this can only positively contrib-ute to the value of the chapel, as well as encouraging visitors. There are opportunities for historic and archaeological research relating to the setting of the chapel, which could also help us to understand more about the chapel’s development. Situated in a conservation area, AONB, and a Global Geosite, gives an indication of the significance of the wider set-ting of the chapel.

4. Issues, Capacity for Change and Opportunities

A fabric condition survey has recently been commissioned by the HCT, to be produced by Michael Atkinson Architecture & Heritage in March 2016, as part of their review of their Asset Management Plan. A fabric condition survey was also undertaken in 2011 by JABA Architect Ltd and has been used to develop this document. It will be useful to identify here where the condition of the fabric or features of interest affect their significance or value and any other issues of note. This has been used in conjunction with the above tables to identify capacity for change to inform any future re-use or alteration of the chapel.

Some authorities see the identification of capacity for change as justification for inappro-priate works or removal of historic fabric. Where a feature or building has been identified as having a high or moderate capacity this does not necessarily mean that the feature or building has no value and all care should be taken to undertake change in a sensitive and informed manner. The identification of capacity for change should be used only as a guide and in conjunction with the policies set out below, in local development plans and nation-al legislation and guidance. It is strongly advised that input from qualified, accredited and experienced conservation and other specialists is used to inform decisions and to carry out works. Listed Building Consent (LBC) and / or Planning Permission (PP) or other


permissions may be required for certain works.

The numbering system in the tables below has been adopted from The Prince’s Regenera-tion Trust (2009) How to: Write Conservation Reports:

Capacity for Change7, 8 Very low

capacity for change

Highly fragile and very vulnerable to change and neglect. Only capa-ble of accepting minimal interventions carried out with great care if these avoid compromising significance. A conservation approach is needed.

5, 6 Low capacity for change

Vulnerable to change and neglect. Capable of accepting some changes if these avoid compromising significance. A conservation approach needed.

3, 4 Moderate capacity for change

Capable of accepting a number of changes without compromising significance. Significance must inform proposals.

1, 2 High capaci-ty for change

Very major or major interventions possible without compromise to significance.

4.1 The Chapel as a Whole

Feature Capacity for Change

Notes

The Chapel as a Whole

7

LBCPP

The overall condition of the chapel is poor to reasonable, despite relatively recent repair works and some repair works still ongoing. The collection of complete fixtures and fittings and original decoration is extremely vulnerable to damp is-sues. Whilst these are currently in a reasonable condition, it is likely that they will start to deteriorate rapidly in the near future if repairs are not completed. In terms of the capacity for change there is little room within the main chapel except for sensitive re-use of the vestries. However, the school room and flat and outbuildings provide much scope for conversion or re-use, providing all work is based on an informed understanding of the development of these structures, i.e. through further archaeological recording and historic research. Planning permission was granted in 2015 for ‘change of use’ only (with no building works) from ancillary school room and flat to A1, A3 or B1 use with/without living accommoda-tion. The preservation and incorporation of the few existing historic features into any new proposals should be ensured. There is a volunteer key holder but no full committee which reduces its community value.


4.2 Features of Interest

Feature Capacity for Change

Notes

Exterior 6

LBCPP

The stylistic quality of the building’s architecture leaves very little room for alteration. It might be possible to incorporate some discreet and very well designed signage but no physical changes are really feasible without com-promising the overall integrity of the design. The only real opportunity for change which could be positive is with the C20th kitchen extension to the rear.

Lobby & stair-cases

4

LBC

The staircases and lobby are in reasonable / good condi-tion, although the plaster walls show signs of previous damp issues. Because these are functional spaces there is little capacity for changing the structure of this area, although there may be more capacity here than in other places for temporary subdivision.

Pews 7

LBC

Because the pews are complete, any loss or alteration would negatively impact on their value. It is also important to retain their finish, painted numbers and fittings. They are in good condition.

Columns 7

LBC

These appear to be in good condition. Because they retain much original decoration and because they function-ally hold up the gallery and ceiling, it is not possible to change these in any way without altering their significance. Undertaking some research regarding the original paint decorations would be interesting and potentially increase their community value.

Gallery 7

LBC

The gallery is in good condition and due to its value as de-fined above, it should be retained in its current state, with regular maintenance.

Pulpit 7

LBC

The pulpit is in good condition but is vulnerable due to the collapsing plaster from the ceiling overhead. Because of the ornate and designed style of the pulpit, any alteration is likely to damage its significance.

Vestries 5

LBC

The vestries are in good condition. It would be possible to alter their use without compromising their significance providing the form and fittings in the room are retained. They could, for example, be used for small permanent ex-hibitions, designed in free standing cabinets or as a small tea point / cafe for visitors.

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Organ 6

LBC

This is an important instrument, in good condition and working order although currently threatened by plaster falling from the ceiling. It adds visual value to the chapel overall by being in its current position and it also has the potential as a working organ to increase the overall com-munity value of the chapel.

Ceiling 6

LBC

The ceiling’s design and original material give this feature its value, in addition to its contribution to the overall com-pleteness of the chapel. However, it is in very poor condi-tion with large pieces of heavy plaster falling frequently. The loss of the original material would therefore negatively impact on its significance and that of the chapel overall. However, the loss of both the original material AND the loss of design would be worse. It is understood that repairs to the roof were being under-taken during the author’s visit. However, the ceiling may be beyond repair and a specialist should be called in to advise.

Fixtures and fit-tings

7

LBC

The documents and archive materials have a potential value, but this cannot be defined until the materials have been assessed. This need for assessment gives them a his-toric and evidential value for researchers. It is very likely that it would be possible to use this material in exhibitions and for interpretation. The fixtures and fittings are the detail that makes this chapel so complete and therefore of ‘more than special interest’. As far as the author is aware a survey and record-ing of these items has not been undertaken. This would be useful for researchers, encourage visitors, involve the local community, and be a useful record for HCT and the local authority.The vast majority of fixtures and fittings are in very good condition for their age and it is important that they receive regular maintenance using best practice conservation techniques.

School room 4

LBC

This room is in very poor condition, although it should be possible to retain the features which give it its evidential value: staircase; some panelling; some floorboards; and the little entry vestibule. The open nature of this space is im-portant and it would reduce the significance of the space if it were permanently subdivided. Since it is highly likely that evidence of the original chapel is retained somewhere within the school room walls, roof or under the floor it would be valuable to undertake investigation into this prior to further repairs being made to the flat. This could also be a community archaeology project. The room has potential for alternative future use, which could help make the future of the building sustainable.


Flat 4

LBC

The flat is in a similar situation as the school room. It is in poor condition but retains a few features of interest and has potential to tell us more about the original chapel. It also has the potential for a new use.

Outbuildings 4

LBCPP

The outbuildings are again much the same although their archaeological and built heritage value is high and while their poor condition threatens their survival, it would be advisable to record and repair the structures as soon as possible. This could be part of a community archaeology / heritage project and would provide useful rooms for alter-native use.

Archaeology & setting

n/a The archaeological information that is retained within the building is surprisingly high. This gives the building a very high research value to building historians, archaeologists, local heritage societies, and local communities. The setting of the chapel also has a high research value.There is an opportunity to combine these into a series of mini projects or one large community archaeology / herit-age project, which could receive funding.

5. Outline Policies and Actions

Policy HCT WC01. To preserve and enhance the significance of Westgate Chapel by adopting this Conservation Statement.

Policy HCT WC02. To continue to maintain, repair and conserve the chapel and its fea-tures using appropriate conservation materials and recognised good practice.

Policy HCT WC03. To continue to use qualified, accredited and experienced conserva-tion and other specialists to advise on future works or specialist repair.

Policy HCT WC04. To consult the key holder of Westgate Chapel and other local and wider stakeholders on significant matters affecting the site.

Policy HCT WC05. To find appropriate and sustainable uses of the listed buildings to ensure their financial security, future maintenance and encourage public access whilst retaining the significance of the site.

Policy HCT WC06. To use the most sensitive and appropriate options for providing new services and access for the building in order to support Policy HCT WC05.

Policy HCT WC07: To facilitate and encourage engagement and understanding of the historic buildings by the local and wider community as a means of ensuring they are valued as buildings and historic sites.

Policy HCT WC08: To archaeologically record the building or features, especially those as identified above, prior to any interventions and ensure this record is lodged with the

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appropriate authorities (e.g. Durham Council’s Historic Environment Record / Ar-chives).

Policy HCT WC09: To monitor relevant planning applications, local planning policy documents, and developments.

Policy HCT WC10: To undertake or commission further research into the history and development of the chapel and its setting in order to be able to base future decisions on an understanding of the building.

6. Adoption and Review

This statement will be adopted by Historic Chapels Trust and shared with stakeholders to be used to inform regular maintenance, future funding bids, and specifications for future conservation or development works. It is recommended that this Statement is reviewed or updated every five years or when there is a substantial change for the building, setting, ownership or any of its features (e.g. completion of further repair works).

7. Acknowledgements

The Griffiths Heritage Consultancy gratefully acknowledges Historic England for fund-ing this report and the assistance and support of the staff of Historic Chapels Trust and the local community in the preparation of this report. In particular thanks go to Roland Jeffery, Steve Pilcher, Charlie Allen, and John and Carol Graham for their time and assis-tance. Unless otherwise acknowledged all text and photographs by The Griffiths Heritage Consultancy Ltd.

8. References and Bibliography

The following are sources which have been used to inform this study and for further reading and research. It is not necessarily a complete list of the resources available for this site and additional sources can be found via the HCT guide and local archives.

Durham County Council Historic Environment (HER) Records at http://www.keystoth-epast.info/Pages/pgDetail.aspx?PRN=D3542

Ordnance Survey First Edition, England and Wales 1856 (published 1861)Ordnance Survey, England and Wales 1895-6Ordnance Survey, England and Wales 1901

English Heritage (1987) Westgate Primitive Methodist Chapel – Listed Building Descrip-tion, List Entry No. 1232510

David, N (undated) ‘My Primitive Methodist Ancestors: Westgate Primitive Methodist Chapel, near Stanhope’ at http://www.myprimitivemethodists.org.uk/page_id__1415.aspx [accessed 21/20/2015]

Durham County Council (undated) Map of Westgate Conservation Area; http://www.durham.gov.uk/conservationareas [accessed 20/12/2015]



Durham County Council (2012) ‘Primitive Methodist Chapel Westgate (Westgate)’ at http://www.keystothepast.info/Pages/pgDetail.aspx?PRN=D37714 [accessed29/11/2015]

JABA Architect Ltd. (2011) ‘Fabric Condition Survey: Westgate Methodist Chapel, West-gate’

Methodist Heritage (2011) A Dales Journey in the Footsteps of John Wesley

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