Brayford is a popular village of some 1000 residents. It lies just off the A399 some 9 miles almost due East of Barnstaple and about 6 miles North North West of South Molton (Grid ref: SS686347).
The population, historically, has been largely dependent upon agriculturally related occupations, and dairy and sheep based farms, which had been owned and run by the same family for generations were common. This is gradually giving way to larger farms and the dairy production has given way to beef.
There is now a significant change in the population with a number of people having moved into the village from other areas upon retirement.
The community is active and in addition to the Methodist and Anglican Churches there is a village hall with a regular programme of social activities.
Sunday Worship
This is held at 11am on the first and fourth Sundays of each month with a United Service at High Bray, Charles or at the Chapel on the second Sunday of each month.
A non-denominational Community Coffee morning is held on the first Wednesday of each month from 10.00 clock until 12.00 clock. This is always a friendly and welcoming morning.
Brayford Methodist Church History
A History of Methodism in Brayford is available from the Church Stewards on request.
Our Church is situated on the Southern slopes of Exmoor with the National Park only some two miles away.
Methodism was born in Brayford in 1774 with open meetings and house groups. The first Chapel was eventually built in 1813 at a cost of £221
This gathering grew in strength and eventually a new building was needed.
Our present Church was built, opposite the original church, and opened on June 13th 1928 and occupies a central position in the village of Brayford. The Church was built by local craftsmen with stone hewn from the Quarries nearby, now owned by Hansons Aggregates.
Like so many chapels it has a checkered history with times of plenty and the lean times also. Although at present we are experiencing a somewhat lean time (Our Membership is now about thirty) you will receive a warm welcome should you choose to visit us.
