March 15th 2021

High House Chapel Restoration Crowdfunding Campaign

Today, we launched our first crowdfunding campaign to help raise money towards the costs of restoration works on the windows of High House Chapel.

Founded by John Wesley, the High House Chapel in upper Weardale (DL13 1HD) was used as a place of worship for 260 years until the need for major restoration works forced the closure in late 2019. In the adjoining Manse the Weardale Museum had operated since 1985. Following much deliberation the Trustees decided to purchase the Chapel and expand into it to create the "Weardale Museum & Heritage Centre". When eventually restored and adapted the Centre will house new collections and exhibits, a performance area, an international Methodist Tapestry exhibition and Visitor Centre. A building of this age and located high in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Beauty must surely suffer from the extremes of 260 years of oft time harsh weather. Throughout this time High House Chapel has featured in the heritage of Weardale and can continue to stand proud for more generations but the repairs, to conservation standards, are costly. The lintels above many of the windows are completely rotten; replacement windows are also needed - though original panes will be re-used where possible. Will you help preserve this Grade 2 Listed property and ensure it continues to play a focal part in rural Weardale life.

Repairing each window will cost approx £3,500.

You can read more on the appeal and donate directly via our Crowdfunding page.