Mapping Methodism - Balnoon
Balnoon was, at an earlier time, known as ‘Ballanoon’, which means mine on the down (bal an un). In 1852 Balnoon mine was predicted to be one of the most promising mines in the Penzance district for 1853, along with West Ding Dong and Speedwell. The OS map surveyed 1877; published 1886 below shows its position to be on the coach road from Lelant to the B3311 Nancledra to Halsetown road. This profile of Balnoon Primitive Chapel Old Coach Road, St Ives. TR26 3JB has been compiled by Val Thomas of St Ives Old Cornwall Society.
The Primitive Methodists were a major offshoot of the principal stream of Methodism – the Wesleyan Methodists – in 19th century Britain. A Methodist preacher called Hugh Bourne became the catalyst for a breakaway. Primitives focussed attention on the role of lay people and stressed simplicity in their chapels and in their worship. The Primitives concentrated their mission on the rural poor.
1861: In the census there are 17 houses listed in Balnoon with 98 inhabitants. Only 2 homes are headed by people not involved directly in mining.
1872: The “Royal Cornwall Gazette” on Saturday morning June 1st reported: ‘BALNOON PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHAPEL: On Sunday anniversary services were preached by the Rev. J. H. Best and the Rev. S. J. Southwood.’
1877: On November 2nd it was reported that the Primitive Methodist Chapel St Ives had held a service on Saturday evening last and the Rev Thomas Scott Brown, of St Day, delivered an eloquent lecture, entitled “The Captive Maid2”. A collection was made on behalf of the Primitive Methodist Chapel, Balnoon.
1879: The “Cornish Telegraph”, on Tuesday evening January 7th reported: ‘PRIMITIVE METHODIST – An entertainment in aid of the Balnoon chapel-fund was given in the Primitive Methodist Chapel on Friday evening’.
1882: The “Cornish Telegraph”, Feb 16th says: ‘PRIMITIVE METHODISM – The annual missionary sermons were preached at the following places, on Sunday, Feb 5th at St Ives...; Nancledra...;Trevalgan and Balnoon, by the Rev F. Shergold and Mr T. Martin. ... On Friday at Balnoon, the attendance was small, but the powerful and instructive addresses of the Revs. F. Shergold and J. Gregory (Bible Christian) were greatly appreciated.’
1883: “Kelly’s” Cornwall. St Ives: ‘The Primitive Methodist Chapel in Fore Street erected in 1831, has 800 sittings, and there are smaller chapels at Barnoon and Trevalgen’.
1949: The “Cornishman” newspaper of the September 22nd advertised the site of the modern house. It consisted of 7.691 acres. There is no mention of a ruined chapel.
2017: The ruins of the chapel can just be seen in the back of these promotional photographs for the Balnoon Inn, which was originally known as Curlews.
Following images have been taken from the internet. Yvonne de Prouw uploaded the front door image. Donna Howe uploaded the internal image.