Nonconformity

There is a tradition that John Wesley preached from a cross at Rufford (mentioned in The Hero of Rufford by A. MacDonald, published 1896)- one Jane Caunce testified to hearing the sermon. Methodism spread to other villages and is first mentioned at the beginning of the nineteenth century. The first services in Tarleton were held in the homes of the people; in 1851 the first chapel was built. That was reconstructed in 1857. The building had a gallery at the west end and was heated by a stove in the middle of the ground floor. Behind the chapel stood a row of cottages which were overshadowed by its presence. In 1896 a new chapel was built and the old one fell into ruins. After a few years the building was demolished; the old bricks were used to build two more cottages, attached to the end of row afore mentioned.