Broadstone Wesleyan Methodist Chapel

These notes are mainly compiled from a booklet published in 1990 for the centenary of the chapel and loaned to me by David Sprackling. The photographs are from the booklet and reproduced with permission.

In the 19th century, the land between Poole and Wimborne was open heathland, difficult to cultivate and mainly used for cutting turfs for fuel. Changes began after the Enclosure Act of 1822. Three distinct communities emerged – Creekmoor, Waterloo and Broadstone. Each of them eventually had Wesleyan congregations. The first record of Methodists in the area is 1820 when Jethro Lovell held a class at Creekmoor attached to Poole circuit. The first chapel was opened at Waterloo in 1858.

The Broadstone chapel was opened in May 1890 and had foundation stones dated December 4^th 1889. It was designed by carpenter, Mr Griffin, whose workshop was the venue for tea after the opening ceremony. He was also responsible for the construction together with Elias Sharland, another member, at whose yard the bricks were made.

Over the years various improvements, additions and alterations were made until in 1976 a new chapel was built (see attached document). Then as the population grew still further, the decision was taken to clear the site completely and erect a whole new suite of buildings which opened in 2003 – see  https://www.mymethodisthistory.org.uk/chapels/dorset-chapels/broadstone-methodist-church-centre