The Wesley Centre

The Wesley Centre, where Heritage Paddock Wood is based, began life as a prestigious brick built Wesleyan chapel in 1888.

Paddock Wood, Brenchley, East Peckham and other hamlets were somewhat of a Wesleyan enclave in the area and no doubt the Wesleyan Centre in Commercial Road would have been the equivalent of a Wesleyan 'cathedral'. The chapel ceased as a place of worship in the 1960s.

Today the Wesley Centre is the oldest surviving Victorian public building in Paddock Wood. It functions as a community hub for play groups, exhibitions and a meeting place, continuing the Wesleyan principles from the 18th century. It also incorporates a Community Food Bank at time of writing 2021.

Wesley Centre: Detail of the brickwork and porch ©

Outwardly the centre has changed little in 130 years. The older photograph is thought to be c1950s.

From scrap books inherited from local group in 2022 ©

Back of the Wesley Centre . The Hall ©

Front of the Chapel once used as a Church ©

The WW1 Memorial Plaque in the Wesley Centre Paddock Wood ©

The front porch Wesley Centre Paddock Wood ©

Wesley Centre Paddock Wood in the snow ©