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Religion
The rise of Methodism in the latter stages of the 18th century and the beginning of the 19th century was perhaps the
greatest social change in Weardale. The established Church of England had become more distant as it was unable to
keep pace with the rapid population growth in the dales as a result of the establishment of the mining industry.
Churches were too far from miner-farmers houses as the settlements began to be established in the high valleys,
making it difficult for them to attend services or have access to the vicar/curates for their spiritual well-being.
Into this vacuum stepped Methodism, a religion brought to the miners by men (and occasionally women) of their own
class. The miner-farmers were attracted to this new religion because it was brought to them by people that they
could relate to and understand. It was seen as a more informal religion, as opposed to the established Church which
was generally less approachable, and often taught by curates and vicars from the upper and middle classes.
Methodism was spread through the dales by preachers who travelled from settlement to settlement - it became
established in Weardale in the 1740's. The preachers would often hold meetings in the parish church, but if that
was not possible they would meet in barns or houses. The word "meeting house" was still used even after the
construction of some twenty-two chapels throughout the dales. The chapels were usually funded and built by the
congregation themselves.
Chapel services were held every Sunday and the whole family would attend - the children would attend Sunday School.
It was often common for children from non-religious families to attend Sunday School.
It is not thought that the rise of Methodism led to any friction between the mining companies and their employees.
In fact, in many ways Methodism was likely seen as a positive influence on the miners as one of its main teachings
was teetotalism (i.e. not drinking alcohol). In the eyes of Methodists alcohol was the "root of all evils".
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