Historic Chapels Trust announces sale of Penrose Methodist Chapel, Cornwall

Historic Chapels Trust (HCT) has confirmed that Penrose Methodist Chapel, a Grade II* listed chapel near St Ervan in Cornwall, is being placed on the open market, following an extended period of efforts to secure a sustainable future for the building through charitable or community ownership.

Built in 1861, Penrose Methodist Chapel is a rare and remarkably intact example of a small rural Methodist chapel, retaining its original interior fittings and character. The chapel has been in the care of Historic Chapels Trust since 1999, after it closed for worship in 1998.

Since 2021, HCT has been delivering a Dispersals Programme funded by Historic England to find new long-term custodians for its chapels, in response to the charity’s changing financial circumstances and the planned wind-down of its operations by March 2026. The programme prioritises transfer to sympathetic owners wherever possible, particularly charities, community organisations and heritage bodies.

Over the past several years, HCT has explored a wide range of ownership options for Penrose Methodist Chapel, including transfer to other heritage charities, community groups, local authorities and religious bodies, but none have been able to move forward. While discussions with other potential owners are still in progress, the outcome and timescales remain uncertain.

Given the limited timeframe of HCT’s Disposals Programme and the need to secure a clear and responsible outcome for the building before the end of March, the Trust has taken the decision to proceed with a sale, alongside continued dialogue with other potential owners.

The sale is being managed on behalf of Historic Chapels Trust by Vickery Holman, a property consultancy with specialist experience in historic and listed buildings, including in Cornwall. The Trust has appointed Vickery Holman to ensure that the chapel is marketed carefully and responsibly, with full regard to its heritage significance, its local context, and the importance of securing a future custodian who will respect and care for the building.

The chapel has been added to Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register, and HCT has continued to carry out essential maintenance and repairs during its stewardship.
Chris Smith, Chairman of the Historic Chapels Trust, said:
“Penrose is an exceptionally important small chapel, and our strong preference has always been to find a future for it within the charitable, community or faith sector. Despite extensive efforts, no secure long-term solution has yet emerged within the time available. Listing the chapel for sale is a necessary step to ensure it continues to be cared for, rather than being left in uncertainty.”

Historic Chapels Trust remains committed to an ethical and transparent disposal process and will continue to engage constructively with interested parties while the chapel is marketed.

 

Notes to Editors

Contact: Chris Smith, Chairman of the Historic Chapels Trust office@historicchapelstrust.org.uk