"RIDGWAY GATES WESLEYAN, BOLTON in 1803, bapt. place of my gt-gt-gt-grandpa

[methodist1989]

Hi Keith,

I am a member of the Victoria Hall, Bolton Methodist Mission which is built on the site of the Ridgway Gates Chapel and am currently sorting out the archives stock held here. I would be happy to undertake any research into your connections with Ridgway Gates if you could let me know what you want to find out I will try and get the information for you.

[methodist1989]

Karlowe,
This question has just occurred to me, but what was the function of Victoria Hall when it was built in 1932?  I've seen a modern photo of its grand entrance, but was it built and used as either a Methodist or United Reformed Chapel then...?
Very best wishes,
Keith

According to Pevsner

Victoria Hall
A Wesleyan Mission by Bradshaw & Gass 1898-1900
The Forward movement at the end of the C19 sought to reach the disaffected with "Central Halls" like this, unchurchy, open all the time, with a social as wellas a religious message.
... paid for by Thomas Walker,a tanner.
The entrance tower, all bright red terracotta and brick, breaks through the then recently completed block of Victoria Buildings
....
The extension on the S side, of 1932, is on the site of the Ridgeway Gates chapel of 1776

Martin Briscoe

PS
A derelict building at Ridgeway Gates

PPS
Pictures of Victoria Hall

Description of Victoria Hall

Any chance Martin you could reload those photos on here of the Ridgway Gates Chapel. I'm the archivist at the Victoria Hall Bolton Methodist Mission and I don't think we have those photos. Thanks

[Keith Sherwood]

Hi, Methodist1989, and welcome to Rootschat!
Have just seen your post, and very excited by the fact that you are sorting out the archives of the Ridgeway Gates Chapel.  Will go away and have a big think about what you might have a look for on my behalf, but of course if there is any reference amongst those records to the Reverend John KERSHAW, I'd be delighted to hear about them.
I believe after you have made your third post on here we can PM (Personal Message) one another and exchange messages and attachments/files via our own e-mails.
But more than my own personal query, looking forward to you perhaps uncovering fascinating never-before-aired-in-the-light-of-day information about this fascinating place of worship...
regards, keith