The oldest Methodist chapel in the world is celebrating after the completion of an extensive refurbishment project.
The New Room, in Bristol, UK, also known as John Wesley’s Chapel, has been undergoing restoration and expansion for the past 18 months.
The Duke of Gloucester was on hand to officially open the redeveloped space, which includes a chapel, visitor centre, heritage museum, café and gift shop, and a conference centre.
The chapel was built in 1739 by John Wesley.
It is still used for worship services and is already a tourist destination, but it’s hoped the refurbishment will bring a new wave of visitors.
It claims the title of ‘cradle of Methodism’ because after its foundation the faith spread around the world and now encompasses some 75 million members worldwide.