19th century Wesleyan Methodist Chapel at Mistley (EHER 80402)

Mistley Methodist Chapel originated in the 19th century and is of the Wesleyan tradition.

March 2023. Level 1 building survey. Mistley Methodist Chapel is a single storey structure presented gable end on to Chapel Cut. The original body of the chapel at the front (northern) part of the site is two bays to both the front and side elevations. The roof has a pitched structure and covered with slate. The later 19th century addition, later extended in the 20th century inter-war period, is lower in height creating a step in the ridge line. The front (north) elevation of the chapel is in red brick laid in Flemish bond with quoin and eaves detailing in a contrasting gault brick. The ground floor up to cill height has been cement rendered. The front elevation is symmetrical about the front entrance with two round arched windows either side of the porch. The windows are modern uPVC replacements, including the cills. Towards the apex of the gable is a rectangular date stone which has been over-painted making the lettering illegible but is understood to read 'Methodist Church 1862'. The porch is a later post WWII addition. It is in matching red brick with slate roof. The main entrance has a double leaf timber door with flush ogee moulding creating the effect of three panels to each leaf. The lintel is in stone with a chamfered edge and moulded brackets. There are some incised initials graffitied on the flank elevations of the porch; these are not of any particular age given porch is a more recent addition. The earliest phase of the building was historically the main worship space. This is a single volume room partially open to the roof but with the apex of the roof space boarded off. Wainscot panelling and skirting wraps around the east, north and west elevations, and a small element of the south elevation. The three trusses are a hybrid arrangement of more traditional queen and king post trusses. A plain wooden cross is situated on the southern wall. The room to the south comprises the 1876 and 1924 extensions. The main room is of two phases, with the northern half dating to 1876 before being extended southwards to the plot boundary in 1924.The side extension forms part of the 1924 works. This is in use as a small kitchen and WC. Historic plans show these to have formerly been a scullery and two WCs, one internal and one external. <1>