Leek Seed Chapel, St Blazey Gate

Leek Seed Chapel is a Wesleyan Methodist chapel at St Blazey Gate, close to St Blazey in Cornwall. Built in 1824, it is best known for its unusual name and for the story behind it, which is still told in the local community two centuries later.

Why is it called Leek Seed Chapel?

The name comes from a local legend about the building fund. William Stephens, a local man known as "The Old Gardener", pushed the project forward and collected money for the new chapel. According to the story, intruders came to take the savings. Stephens bluffed them by pointing to a heap on his desk and claiming it was gunpowder that he would set alight. In fact it was only a pile of leek seeds. The frightened would-be thieves left, and the building took its name from the incident. Accounts differ on the details, such as who the robbers were, but the leek seed bluff is the part every version shares.

What is the history of the building?

The chapel dates from 1824 and opened on Easter Sunday of that year. It belongs to the Methodist tradition that spread widely across Cornwall in the 18th and 19th centuries, when chapels became central to village life. In 1904 the building was restored and refitted to designs by the architect Frederick Charles Jury.

Is the chapel protected?

Yes. Historic England lists the chapel as Grade II*, a category given to only a small share of listed buildings in England. The listing dates from 1999. The tomb of William Stephens, northwest of the chapel, has its own separate listing, so the founder's grave can be seen close to the building he helped create.

What is it like today?

The chapel is still a working Methodist church. In 2024 the congregation marked its 200th anniversary with a year of events, including a concert and a flower festival. A Sunday school hall stands alongside the chapel, and local reports noted that it too reached a centenary of its own.

Who is it for?

The chapel suits visitors interested in Cornish Methodism, nonconformist architecture and local folklore. It is a small site rather than a major attraction, so it fits well into a wider visit to the St Blazey and Par area, near the Cornish coast. Because it is an active place of worship, respect services and community events, and check locally before planning a visit to see the interior.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Leek Seed Chapel? At St Blazey Gate, near St Blazey, Cornwall, England.

When was it built? In 1824. It was restored and refitted in 1904.

Why the name? A legend says William Stephens scared off robbers by passing off a pile of leek seed as gunpowder.

Is it a listed building? Yes, it is Grade II* listed, and the tomb of William Stephens nearby is listed separately.

Is it still in use? Yes, it continues as a Methodist church and celebrated its 200th anniversary in 2024.