Methodist Chapel no 1

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FACTS KNOWN TO DATE (2021) researched by Joan West

A certain amount is known about this first Methodist Chapel, but its precise site is still not known

It was registered as a Methodist Meeting House, in Lacey Green by John Carter Dell in 1837.

1838 Rioting in Lacey Green. Fighting and rioting took place near this Primitive Methodist Chapel

John Carter Dell died in 1840. In his will he left the chapel to his wife. SEE relevant extracts below.

WILL

John made his will on 11^th September 1840.  He died 27^th September, 16 days later, aged 44 at the new house he had built (later called ‘Gracefield’).

“I give Bett all the freehold cottages, stable, yard, pond, garden & appurtenances, now in my own occupation in Lacey Green.”   (Research note. This house was later greatly enlarged and named ‘Gracefield’)

“I give to Bett my freehold Meeting House, erected by me for a place of divine worship of the Primitive Methodists, situate and being at Lacey Green in the parish of Princes Risborough, with 9 feet of freehold land adjoining each side of the Meeting House, for her own use, to sell or let or to keep in her own possession.”

LEGACY

"I devise unto my daughters Mary & Ann my field adjoining the meeting house containing 1 acre of freehold land with the cottage or building thereon standing as tenants in common and not as joint tenants."

JOHN’S WIDOW

By 1851, 11 years after John’s death, John’s widow Bett is recorded in the census as living in Wendover as housekeeper to sons Thomas and Charles.   She died in February 1851 and is buried in Lacey Green.   (Research note. To date, no will has been found).

1851 CENSUS in Lacey Green

Ann Carter Dell, aged 32 is listed as head of house. Living with her are her sisters, Sarah Carter Dell, aged 26, Rebecca Carter Dell, aged 23 and Rosehanna Carter Dell, aged 20. As John's widow 'Bett' is living in Wendover housekeeping for her sons, these daughters are still together, presumably in the family home. Mary, aged 33 is not at home.

Mary and Ann have inherited the field adjoining the meeting house, containing 1 acre of freehold land with the cottage or building thereon as tenants in common. Widow, 'Bett' has inherited the family home and the freehold Meeting House, with 9 feet of freehold land adjoining each side of the meeting house.

Amenity Name	Methodist Chapel
Current Status (Active/Inactive)	Inactive
Founded Date	1837
Closure Date	?