Knowl Wesleyan Methodist Church, Mirfield

The following source list was originally available only on paper in one of the West Yorkshire Archive Service offices. It may have been compiled many years ago and could be out of date. It was designed to act as a signpost to records of interest on a particular historical subject, but may relate only to one West Yorkshire district, or be an incomplete list of sources available.

John Wesley preached at Mirfield 1742.

Mirfield was a preaching centre in Birstall Circuit 1776.

A number of members of Mirfield Parish Church left the church 1778 after the death of Rev Joseph Ismay, vicar of Mirfield 1740-78, a conscientious and intelligent man; the Rev Matthew Cookson, his successor as vicar, proved to be drunken and unworthy; these parishioners joined the Methodists and provided impetus for building a chapel.

Chapel built at corner of Knowl Lane and Water Royd Lane (later known as Knowl Road and Back Knowl Road) 1779-80, opened by John Wesley 1780; John Wesley preached again at Mirfield 1781.

Undenominational Sunday School built in Water Royd Lane 1819-20; this gradually came to be run mainly by Wesleyans; it is marked as a Wesleyan Sunday School on 1854 6" OS map; it was also used as a Wesleyan Day School from 1856-c.1909; the building was sold to the West Riding County Council 1909 and became Knowl County Primary School; it was later known as Knowl First School and closed 1993.

Chapel rebuilt on site of old one 1836-37.

Sunday School built next door to chapel c.1909.

Closed 1964; congregation joined Old Bank Methodist Church.

Chapel building later used as offices.