The chapel which now stands was rebuilt by the London Lead Mining company in 1859 as a Wesleyan Methodist Chapel for the worship of approximately 500 lead miners and their families who lived and worked in the local area. There were three chapels for worship for a relatively large population in Garrigill alone. Beldy, Garrigill Gate or North chapel as it was once known, closed in 1987 and the pictures below are courtesy of Malcolm Hymers. If you are interested in the history of the area, there is an incredibly comprehensive archive at the Town Hall and an informative facebook group for the Alston Moor Historical Society.

Following its closure and in a state of dilapidation it became an art gallery owned by renowned artist William Mitchell, his daughter, Hilary still lives opposite the chapel and gave us this pen and ink image by her father which he used as compliments slips.

Planning permission was granted in 1998 to restore and renovate the chapel into a residential dwelling and the Johnston family, who owned the land at Thortergill (and still do) bought, rebuilt and renovated the structure to become a dwelling.

We were fortunate enough to buy the chapel as an incomplete renovation in 2019 and have since completed a beautiful home for ourselves which includes a self contained apartment and double room with private spa for guest accommodation. We also added a third floor music studio and retained and renovated the organ room.

Before and After…….

From 2024 we are offering bespoke experiences to our guests which include all that the local area has to offer such as guided walking and wild swimming tours, local craft workshops offered by the talented locals and much more.

The experiences are limitless as are our talents, the area and the building incorporate our many interests and hobbies including music and woodwork, wild swimming, cycling, walking and much much more.

So come on in, for a Beldy Chapel Experience!