Wesleyan Temple, Victoria Road, Tamworth

TAMWORTH - The new Wesleyan temple at Tamworth was opened on the 9th inst. It has been erected at a cost of £4,000, and will accommodate more than 600 worshippers. The frontage, in height 55 feet, and proportionate in breadth, is composed of brick relieved with stone dressings and ornamental windows, 65 feet long by 40 feet broad, and proportionately lofty, the building is in itself square, having an oval-shaped gallery, several rows deep, the front being of simple design. The architect was Mr. G. B. Ford, of Burslem, and Messrs. Clarson and Son were the builders. [Building News 26 April 1878 page 434]

In 1877 a plot of land on the corner of Victoria Road and Back Lane (later Mill Lane) comprising almost 1000 square yards, was donated by Thomas Argyle, the chapel treasurer and a local solicitor. On 21st May 1877, memorial stones were laid for what would become the Wesleyan Temple. This being the most appropriate and truthful designation for God's own house according to Ezekial Burton, the resident minister. The Temple was opened on 9th April 1878. The church closed in 1972 and was firstly converted to squash courts before becoming residential accommodation known as Victoria Mews.

Reference      Building News 26 April 1878 page 434