Conjurer's Lodge facts for kids
Conjurers Lodge is a special old building found on the Isle of Portland in Dorset, England. It's located in a village called Chiswell. This building used to be a chapel for a group called Methodists, and it was also a workshop. It was first opened in 1816 and was used as a chapel for about ten years. Today, Conjurers Lodge is a "Grade II Listed" building, which means it's an important historical building that is protected by law. People say it's a very rare example of its kind on the island.
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What is Conjurers Lodge?
Conjurers Lodge is a unique building that stands on the corner of Clements Lane in Chiswell. It has a long history, serving different purposes over the years. Being a "Grade II Listed" building means it's recognized for its special historical or architectural importance, and efforts are made to keep it safe for the future.
Its Interesting History
The story of Conjurers Lodge began in 1816. At that time, there was a group of Methodists on Portland. Methodists are a type of Christian religious group.
How it Became a Chapel
There were some disagreements within the local Methodist community. A leader named Rev. Francis Derry looked into these issues. Because of these problems, about 50 members of the Methodist group left. This smaller group then decided to create their own place to worship. They set up their new chapel on the upper floor of a workshop in Chiswell. This new chapel became known as Conjurers Lodge.
What Happened Next?
The chapel at Conjurers Lodge was used by this group for ten years. By 1826, the different Methodist groups on Portland came together again. This meant that Conjurers Lodge was no longer needed as a separate chapel.
Later Uses of the Building
After its time as a chapel, Conjurers Lodge found a new purpose. From 1973 to 2003, a company called Portland Joinery used the building as a workshop. This shows how the building has adapted and been useful to the community for many years.
