In 1860 the Methodist Chapel in Melton was erected. Shortly after its completion a neighbour, who is thought to have been a barrister, claimed the new building compromised his “right to light” and legal proceedings ensued. The case was heard in Bury Summer Assizes in 1861. Unfortunately, the Chapel Trustees lost the case and presumably there were then frantic discussions about what to do as it looked as if the building would have to be demolished.
Henry Collins, a Melton millwright, came up with the innovative idea of moving the building. He and his brother undertook the work which unsurprisingly was reported at length in the Suffolk Chronicle & Mercury. According to the reports the building was moved onto its new foundations 15 feet without any damage to the structure. However, the neighbour was still not satisfied so the Chapel was moved again! In total it was moved 20 feet 8 inches which by any measure is a remarkable feat of engineering! The building is still there but now used as business premises. The picture of the Chapel being moved is dated 18th September 1861 and is one of the oldest in the Museum’s collection.
