Nonconformity in the Castle Cary and Keinton Mandeville area

Despite some early recusancy and nonconformity, dissent did not flourish in the area until the 19th century when it may have been encouraged by the growth of both working and middle classes. Of the major employers, Boyds of Castle Cary were strong supporters of Zion chapel in South Cary. Methodism was particularly successful and besides chapels and permanent congregations there were many lay Methodist preachers and Bible Christian ministers working in the area in the later 19th century and Primitive Methodists in the early 20th century. In the later 20th century many nonconformist chapels have closed but Methodism thrives at Castle Cary and Keinton Mandeville.