Description

1814-16. 3-storey, 5-bay former Wesleyan Chapel with later shops to ground, dominated by 4 multi-pane glazed openings to 1st floor and 4 gothic windows to 2nd floor. Harled rubble with raised margins. 3 stair windows to far right bay. Central pend to ground floor leading to rear elevation courtyard with later staired platts serving flats at upper storeys. Irregular non-traditional openings to rear.

Predominantly multi-pane glazing to timber sash and case windows excepting pointed Gothic openings (principal elevation). Slated roof. Cast-iron ventilators. Cast-iron rainwater goods.

INTERIOR: Row of three tapered Tuscan columns supporting vestige of former raked gallery above (now floored over).

Statement of Interest

This is a good example of a former Wesleyan Methodist Chapel and meeting hall. The building follows the line of the exiting street pattern with the pointed-arch fenestration standing out amid the predominantly commercial urban fabric. It has undergone a number of changes in more recent times though its principal street-facing character broadly remains with Gothic windows at 2nd floor and large 1st floor windows contributing positively to the wider streetscape. The 1st floor interior hall space retains its slender columns supporting the vestiges of the former raked gallery above, retaining a sense of its ecclesiastic former purpose.

The Kirkwood map of 1805 shows a walled gateway fronting a tabernacle which was one of the few buildings set back from South Street at that time. The Wesleyan Church was built on the site of the gateway following the demolition of the tabernacle circa 1810. The New Statistical Account of Scotland notes that a congregation of Wesleyan Methodists was formed in Perth and a place of worship was purchased in 1814 and rebuilt the following year.

The rear elevation was formerly stuccoed with 2 large gothic windows flanked by 2 smaller ones (all removed when converted to commercial use at 1st floor and flats at 2nd floor during 1980s). The former Baptist Chapel of 1830, diagonally opposite at No 151-157 South Street, also has three Gothic windows at the 1st floor, mirroring the style here.

Change of Category from B to C(S) and list description updated at resurvey (2009).

External Links

• Historic Environment Scotland Listing
• Wikidata Q56645147

External links are from the relevant listing authority and, where applicable, Wikidata. Wikidata IDs may be related buildings as well as this specific building. If you want to add or update a link, you will need to do so by editing the Wikidata entry.

Recommended Books

• 
  Lancashire: Manchester and the South-East (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Development and Design of Heritage Sensitive Sites: Strategies for Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas
• 
  Historic Environment Law: Planning, Listed Buildings, Monuments, Conservation Areas and Objects by Harwood, Richard (2012) Paperback
• 
  Liverpool: Pevsner City Guide (Pevsner Architectural Guides: City Guides)
• 
  Cork: City and County (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of Ireland)
• 
  Cumbria: Cumberland, Westmorland and Furness (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)