The first chapel to be built on this site was erected in 1798 and seated 600. A semi circular rear extension was added in 1811 to bring the capacity up to 1000. The whole building was demolished in 1819 and a new chapel which seated 2500 in 1851 was built. The Corinthian colonnade and Venetian window were added in 1859. The building is no longer used as a place of worship but The Friends of Bethesda hold monthly open days. (Sadly, not while I was in town)
Behind the chapel was a large burial ground. The City Council carried out a reclamation scheme on this area in 1981 and it is now a public open space.
Beyond the burial ground was a school building. The ground floor was erected in 1819 and the upper storey added in 1836. It is now occupied as offices by The Sentinel newspaper.
Sources
Victoria County History of Staffordshire, Vol VIII pp 244-5
Site visit 10 & 11.10.2016
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