Exhibition 17th – 19th July 2026

Built in 1818 by the Standfield and Loveless families and local Dorset Methodists, Tolpuddle Old Chapel is the first surviving material link to the men who became known as the Tolpuddle Martyrs. Recently restored by the Tolpuddle Old Chapel Trust, it is one of only two known surviving cob-built Methodist chapels in the UK.

To coincide with the 2026 Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival, the Old Chapel is hosting a special exhibition exploring the persecution of early Methodism, including the dramatic events surrounding the Chapel’s opening service in 1818, when worshippers were attacked by a hostile mob. The exhibition will also tell the story of the working families behind the Chapel and feature a full-scale replica of the original 1818 Deeds, bearing the signature of George Loveless, leader of the Martyrs.

The exhibition is open from Friday 17th – Sunday 19th July, 10am–4pm. Entry is free, but we do ask visitors to make a donation towards the cost of  preserving this remarkable building created by the working people of Tolpuddle.