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Central England

• Central England sites

Central England sites

Cheshire

ENGLESEA BROOK - MUSEUM OF PRIMITIVE METHODISM
www.engleseabrook-museum.org.uk
Englesea Brook, Crewe, Cheshire CW2 5QW.
Contact: Dr Kevin Watson
Tel: 01270 820836
Email: engleseabrook-methodist-museum@supanet.com
Early chapel (1828) in conservation area, with Museum of Primitive Methodism and grave of Hugh Bourne.
Brookside Cottage available for weekly rental. Cottage also houses Englesea Brook Primitive Methodist Library.
OPEN - 29 March-29 November 2009: every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Bank Holiday Mondays 10.30am-5.15pm; every Sunday 1.30pm-5.15pm. August: open daily.
Parties throughout the year by arrangement.
ADMISSION - No charge, donations welcome.
Toilets. Off-street parking for cars and one coach.

MACCLESFIELD - CHRIST CHURCH
Waterloo Street West, Macclesfield, Cheshire.
Contact: Mr Tim Brinton, Field House, 18 Ryle Street, Macclesfield, Cheshire SK11 8BQ.
Tel: 01625 429970 or 01625 423894
Chapel-style Church of England church built 1775 for Wesley’s preaching and the evangelical ministry of Revd David Simpson. Ann Cutler’s grave. Owned by Churches’ Conservation Trust.
OPEN - 1 Oct–31 Mar: Monday, 9.00am–3.00pm; 1 Apr–30 Sep: Mon, Tues, Fri 10.00am–3.00pm. Parties throughout the year, by arrangement.
ADMISSION - No charge, donations welcome.
Car parking and coach access. Public toilets nearby. Stairs to gallery.

WILMSLOW - ROMANY'S CARAVAN
South Drive, Wilmslow, Cheshire, (off A34 behind Hoopers’ department store - town centre).
Contact: The Romany Society - Secretary, Mr John Thorpe, 46 Andrew Street, Bury, Lancs. BL9 7HB.
Tel: 0161 764 7978
‘Romany’ (The Revd G Bramwell Evens 1890 - 1943) was a well-known Methodist minister and broadcaster. His caravan is as it was fitted up in his day.
OPEN - Second Saturday in the month, May-September, 12.00noon-3.00pm.
 

Derbyshire

CLIFF COLLEGE
Calver, via Sheffield S32 3XG. www.cliffcollege.org  
Contact: The Principal, Revd Dr Chris Blake
Tel: 01246 584200
Fax 01246 583739
Email: prin.sec@cliffcollege.org
A college dedicated to training people in evangelistic ministry. Archive of the Joyful News Mission, Joyful News newspaper, Arthur Skevington Wood Archive Library, Howard Belben Library and Samuel Chadwick Memorial Library.
OPEN - As requested. Meals and accommodation available.
ADMISSION - No charge, donations requested.
Toilets. Site is very steep. Car parking and coach access.
 

Gloucestershire

GLOUCESTER - ST MARY-DE-CRYPT PARISH CHURCH AND SCHOOLROOM
www.visit-gloucestershire.co.uk/gloucester/decrypt.htm
Southgate Street, Gloucester GL1 1TP.
Contact: Tony Pugh
Tel: 01452 534568
Parish Church attended by George Whitefield, with his former school adjacent. Mainly 15th century but of Norman origin.
OPEN - April-October - groups by arrangement at other times.
(A key is kept at the Tourist Information Centre opposite the church)
ADMISSION - No charge, donations welcome.
Toilet. Some Steps.

SOUDLEY - DEAN HERITAGE MUSEUM AND ZION CHAPEL
www.deanheritagemuseum.com
Camp Mill, Soudley, Cinderford, Forest of Dean, Glos GL14 2UB.
Contact: The Curator, Dean Heritage Museum.
Tel: 01594 822170
Fax: 01594 823711
Email: deanmuse@btinternet.com
Zion Chapel was founded by the Bible Christians in 1846. In 1913 a school room was added to the Chapel. Local guide available.
OPEN - Chapel open by appointment. Key available from museum. Museum opening times Summer [BST] 10.00am–5.30pm; Other [GMT] 11.00am–4.00pm.
ADMISSION - No charge for chapel, donations for upkeep appreciated.
Toilets, parking and coach access available nearby.

STROUD - OCTAGONAL CHAPEL
Former Methodist chapel, now Salvation Army Citadel, Stroud, is oldest surviving Methodist octagonal chapel, built 1762.
 

Lincolnshire

RAITHBY - CHAPEL
Raithby, Nr. Spilsby, Lincolnshire.
Contact: Mrs K Martin, 9 Bowmans Ridge, Hundleby, Spilsby, Lincs PE23 5NR.
Tel: 01790 754755 - advance contact advised.
Oldest Methodist Chapel in Lincolnshire built over stable at Hall by R C Brackenbury and opened by John Wesley in July 1779. Georgian interior preserved.
OPEN - Foot access only across footpath and private stable yard. Key available: Mr & Mrs Rose, The Coach House, The Stables, Raithby, or Mr & Mrs Kennett, Saddlers Cottage, The Stables, Raithby.
ADMISSION - No charge, donations welcomed.
No toilet. Car parking on road.
 

North Lincolnshire

EPWORTH - THE OLD RECTORY www.epwortholdrectory.org.uk
1 Rectory Street, Epworth, Nr. Doncaster, South Yorkshire DN9 1HX.
Contact: The Curator 
Tel: 01427 872268
Email: curator@epwortholdrectory.org.uk
The home of the Wesley family, the Old Rectory was rebuilt in 1709 after a fire (from which the young John Wesley was rescued) had destroyed the earlier house. House restored in 1956, run by World Methodist Council. Guided tours only.
‘John Wesley Physic Garden’ now open; walled garden using plants from ‘Primitive Physic’.
OPEN - March, April, October: Mon–Sat 10.30am-3.30 pm. Sun (and Good Friday) 2.30pm-4.30pm. May–September: Mon–Sat 10.00am-4.30pm. Sun 2.00pm-4.30pm. November – Sats 10.30am-3.30pm. Last entry 30 minutes before closing. Group visits sometimes possible at other times.
ADMISSION – (House and Garden) adult £4.50, concessions £3.50, student £2.50, child £1.50, family ticket £8.50. Garden only £1.00. Coach parties please book in advance.
Pre-packed meals for groups by prior arrangement. Garden with picnic tables. Restricted access to Library.
Toilets. Stairs in house. Limited parking. Coach access.
For local accommodation contact Brigg Tourist Information 01652 657053 or visit the North Linconshire Tourist Board Website.

EPWORTH - PARISH CHURCH AND TOMB OF SAMUEL WESLEY, EPWORTH METHODIST MEMORIAL CHURCH, EPWORTH MARKET CROSS AND RED LION INN.
Contact: Warden, The Old Rectory, 1 Rectory Street, Epworth, Nr. Doncaster, South Humberside DN9 1HX. Tel: 01427 872268.
Along with the Old Rectory, the above are all worth visiting in the village of Epworth with its strong Wesley links. Both the Parish Church and Wesley Memorial Church are open daily.
Toilets in village.

EPWORTH - WROOT
John Wesley was curate to his father at the parish church, which has since been replaced by a new building. A marker was erected in 1991. Coach access difficult.

LINCOLNSHIRE - WEST LINDSEY

GAINSBOROUGH OLD HALL, Parnell Street, Gainsborough, Lincs. (English Heritage site)
Contact: Joan Smithson, Acting Site Co-ordinator (to March 2010)
Tel: 01427 612669
Fax: 01427 612779
Historic red-bricked Tudor Hall with timber-framing where Richard III and Henry VIII once dined. John Wesley preached in the Great Hall on several occasions. Some of the Mayflower Pilgrims also worshipped here prior to fleeing to Holland and then the New World to seek religious freedom. Audio tour available.
OPENING TIMES Mon-Sat 10.00am-5.00pm, Sunday 2.00pm-5.30pm
Closed Sunday, November to Easter.
Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year`s Day and Good Friday.
ADMISSION - £2.50 adults, £1.50 senior citizens, £1.00 under 16`s.
Shop and Tea room. Toilets. Wheelchair access to ground floor only
 

Oxfordshire

OXFORD - LINCOLN COLLEGE www.lincoln.ox.ac.uk
Turl Street, Oxford OX1 3DR.
Contact: Tel: 01865 279800
Fax: 01865 279802
Email: info@lincoln.ox.ac.uk
In the 18th century, Methodism originated in the college where John Wesley was the founder of the Holy Club. See John Wesley memorial room, plaque in chapel quad, college chapel and hall.
OPEN - Daily 2.00pm-5.00pm.
ADMISSION - £1.00. Groups limited to 20 - by appointment only in writing.
No toilets.

OXFORD - CHRIST CHURCH (COLLEGE AND CATHEDRAL) www.chch.ox.ac.uk
St. Aldates, Oxford OX1 1DP.
Contact: Mr. J. Godfrey, Visitors’ Officer  
Tel: 01865 276154, (tourist information 01865 276499)
Fax: 01865 276277
Email: jim.godfrey@chch.ox.ac.uk
John and Charles Wesley were undergraduates at the college, and ordained in the cathedral. 12th century former Augustinian monastery, since 1546 cathedral for Oxford Diocese and chapel of Christ Church.
OPEN - Mon-Sat 9.00am-5.00pm, Sun 12.30pm-5.00pm
ADMISSION – Adults £6, concessions £4.50, family ticket (1 adult, 1 child) £12. Free access (via main gate) to the cathedral for services.
Toilets. Parking difficult.

OXFORD - UNIVERSITY CHURCH OF ST MARY THE VIRGIN
www.university-church.ox.ac.uk
High Street, Oxford, OX1 4AH.
Contact: Mrs Jane Mitchell
Tel: 01865 279111
John Wesley preached here ‘Salvation by faith’ (18 June 1738) the 'Almost Christian' (1741) and 'Scriptural Christianity' (24 August 1744). Charles Wesley preached ‘Awake, thou that sleepest’ 4 April 1742).
OPEN - daily
ADMISSION - no charge for church, donations requested.
TOWER with finest views of Oxford £1.60 Under sixteens 80p.
Coffee shop open daily. No parking.

OXFORD – Castle www.oxfordcastleunlocked.com
New Road, Oxford OX1.
Contact: Unlocked – Oxford Castle, 44-45 Oxford Castle, OX1 1AY.
Tel: 01865 260666
Email:info@oxfordcastleunlocked.co.uk
Prison where John and Charles Wesley and the ‘Holy Club’ visited convicts. Now redeveloped with historical display (including the Wesleys) and Education Centre.
OPEN - daily (except Christmas Day) 10.00am-5.30 pm.
ADMISSION - adult £7.50, concessions £6.20, child £5.35

OXFORD - OXFORD CENTRE FOR METHODISM AND CHURCH HISTORY www.brookes.ac.uk/education
Westminster Institute of Education, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford OX2 9AT.
Contact: Peter Forsaith (Research Fellow)
Tel: 01865 488319
Fax: 01865 488366
Email: wco.archives@brookes.ac.uk
Important Methodist library and archives, open to researchers. Wesley Historical Society Library and Westminster College archives relate to history and development of Methodism. Also Methodist art collections. Founded as Westminster College, 1851.
OPEN - Mondays-Fridays 9.00am-1.00pm, 2.00pm-5.00pm. Advance notification of visits requested. Meals and accommodation available.
ADMISSION - No charge.
Toilets. Disabled access. Parking and coach access.
Guided walks of ‘The Wesleys’ Oxford’ can be arranged for groups.

STANTON HARCOURT
Wesley preached several times in the parish church of St Michael, including (11 June 1738) ‘Salvation by Faith’. Plaque in church.

SOUTH LEIGH
Wesley preached here in 1771, noting that he preached his first sermon here (though not for the first time). Plaque on pulpit, St James the Great Church.
 

Shropshire

IRONBRIDGE - GORGE AND COALBROOKDALE www.ironbridge.org.uk
Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust, Ironbridge, Telford, Shropshire TF8 7AW.
Contact: Visitor Information Officer
Tel: 01952 433522/432166
Fax: 01952 432204
Email: info@ironbridge.org.uk
Unique series of museums and monuments celebrating the Industrial Revolution, including connections with John Wesley and John Fletcher.
OPEN - Every day. 10.00am-5.00pm.
ADMISSION - Individual sites tickets available amd ‘Passport’ tickets to all 10 sites: Adult £14.95, 60+ £12.95, child/student £12.95, family £48.00.
Guided tours, by arrangement.
Toilets. Parking.

MADELEY - ST. MICHAEL'S PARISH CHURCH
Parish Office, St. Michael's Church, Church Street, Madeley, Telford, Shropshire TF7 5BN.
Contact: Revd Henry Morris.
Tel: 01952 585718
Fax: 01952 586645
Email: hmmadeley@yahoo.co.uk
Thomas Telford church (1796) to John Wesley’s concept of a preaching church. Built during Mary Fletcher’s ministry. Some Fletcher artefacts, and tomb of John and Mary Fletcher and Sarah Lawrence to left of path to churchyard. Old Vicarage (Fletcher’s) is adjacent.
OPEN - contact Parish office in advance.
Toilet. Some steps into church. Car parking and coach access.
 

Staffordshire

For Englesea Brook Museum of Primitive Methodism, see CHESHIRE

BEMERSLEY - FARMHOUSE AND BARN
Near Tunstall, Staffs.
Farmhouse where Hugh Bourne lived and died. Late 18th century Barn was the first Primitive Methodist bookroom.

CLOUD SIDE - CHAPEL
Rushton, Staffs.
Oldest surviving Primitive Methodist chapel, built 1815.

FORD HAYES - FARM
Hayes Lane, Stoke-on-Trent.
Birthplace of Hugh Bourne.

MOW COP
Contact: Mr John Anderson, Hillside, Chapel Bank, Mow Cop, Stoke-on-Trent ST7 3NA.
Tel: 01782 522004
A rocky hill nearly 1100 feet high on the borders of Cheshire and Staffordshire, a place of religious significance through Hugh Bourne and the early Primitive Methodists.
 

MOW COP - THE CHAPEL MUSEUM
Hillside, Chapel Bank, Mow Cop, Stoke-on-Trent ST7 3NA.
Contact: John Anderson
Tel: 01782 522004.
Victorian Wesleyan Chapel (1852) containing exhibitions illustrating the social, industrial and religious history of Mow Cop and district and Sunday School library.
OPEN - May-September: Wed, Thurs, Fri 2.00pm-5.00pm, Saturdays & Sundays 2.00pm-6.00pm, Bank Holiday Mondays 11.00am-6.00pm, Sundays 2.00pm-6.00pm.
ADMISSION - Adults £1.00, children at school 75p.
Toilets. Car parking.

HANLEY – Bethesda Chapel
Albion Street, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs.
Contact: Historic Chapels Trust, St George's German Lutheran Church, 55 Alie Street, London E1 8EB.
Tel: 020 7481 0533
Email: chapels@hct.org.uk
Methodist New Connexion chapel of 1819; one of the largest nonconformist chapels outside London, seating up to 2,000 people. Under restoration, limited access.
 

West Midlands

BLACK COUNTRY - BISHOP ASBURY COTTAGE
Newton Road, Great Barr, Sandwell (Nr. Birmingham), West Midlands B43 6HN.
Contact: Pam Hayes or Andrea Hicklin
Tel: 0121 553 0759
Boyhood home of Francis Asbury who became the founding father of Methodism in the United States of America and was ordained as its first bishop
OPEN - Groups, by appointment only.
ADMISSION - Organised tours - fee by arrangement.
No toilets. Available at nearby Forge Mill Farm, Sandwell Park Lane and at Sandwell Park Farm. Catering also available at these two sites. Parking at Bishop Asbury Cottage restricted. Use nearby public house car park at landlord’s discretion.

BLACK COUNTRY - BLACK COUNTRY LIVING MUSEUM www.bclm.co.uk
Tipton Road, Dudley, West Midlands DY1 4SQ.
General Enquiries Tel: 0121 557 9643
Booking Office: 0121 520 8054
Open air museum, established to preserve items from Black Country history and recreate way of life from 1900-1930 in award winning museum. One of the main features is Methodist New Connexion Chapel, originally built in 1837 at Darby Hand, Netherton. It was dismantled and re-erected at the Museum in 1977 and completed 1979. (Trips on Dudley Canal into Singing Cavern also available).
MUSEUM OPEN - Every day 1 March-31 October 10.00am-5.00pm.
November-February: Wednesday-Sunday 10.00am-4.00pm.
ADMISSION – (2009 charges) Adults £12.50, 60+ £10.50, children (5 to 17) and students £6.75, family ticket available £17.00 (1 adult, 1 child). Group rates available (booked parties of 10 or more).
Toilets. Gift shop. Restaurant. Parking and coach access.

BLACK COUNTRY - FORGE MILL FARM
Forge Lane, West Bromwich, West Midlands B71 3SZ.
Contact: Bookings
Tel: 0121 553 0220
Site of the former Old Forge associated with Francis Asbury in the Sandwell Valley.
OPEN - Daily 10.00am-4.30pm.
ADMISSION - No charge. Donations welcome.
Toilets.

BLACK COUNTRY - HIGH BULLEN, WEDNESBURY
Commemorative plaque on Church Hill, a regular preaching spot in the open air where John Wesley addressed his congregations on many occasions.

BLACK COUNTRY - OAK HOUSE, WEST BROMWICH
Oak Road, West Bromwich, West Midlands.
Tel: 0121 553 0759
Large timber-framed Tudor yeoman’s house dating back to 16th century. John Wesley preached on two occasions. A plaque denotes his preaching in 1774.
OPEN - 1 April-30 September: Tues-Fri 10.00am-5.00pm, (Closed Mondays and Saturdays), Sundays 2.00pm-5.00pm. 1 October-31 March: Tues-Fri 10.00am-5.00pm, (Closed Mondays), no Saturday or Sunday opening. Check in advance. (Closed for lunch 1.00pm-1.30pm)
ADMISSION - Organised Tours - fee by arrangement.
Toilets.

BLACK COUNTRY - WEDNESBURY CENTRAL METHODIST CHURCH
Spring Head, Wednesbury, West Midlands. WS10 9AD.
Contact: Revd A. S. Farrington, Wesley Centre, Spring Head, Wednesbury, West Midlands WS10 9AD.
Tel: 0121 556 0420
Email: andrewsfarrington@tiscali.co.uk
The Mission now displays the ‘Wesley’ steps and Dingley Collection of books and artefacts connected with ‘Wednesbury Riots’ 1743/44.
OPEN - By arrangement. No charge.
Toilets. Car parking and coach access.

BLACK COUNTRY - WESLEY MEMORIAL, WEST BROMWICH
High Street Precinct, West Bromwich, West Midlands.
Memorial to John Wesley at western end of pedestrian precinct in High Street, dedicated in 1988.
 

Worcestershire

STOURPORT - Wesley Methodist Church www.wjscene.clara.net/wesley/
Off High Street, Stourport-on-Severn, Worcs DY13 8BP.
Contact: Revd. Paul Booth, Minister
Tel: 01299 826641
Email: boothpaul@yahoo.co.uk
Built 1788 and extended 1812 and 1896. Building retains its character as a Georgian preaching house with box pews and gallery. Later additions include alabaster pulpit and screens, described as finest in West Midlands. Recently refurbished.
OPEN - One day per week or by arrangement.
ADMISSION - No charge but donations accepted. Groups catered for.
Toilets, refreshments, car parking limited but plentiful nearby.