Candlelit carols and eighteenth-century charm at John Wesley's birthplace
02 December 2025
Epworth Old Rectory, birthplace of Methodist founders John and Charles Wesley, is hosting a rich and varied range of festive activities.
The decision to launch such Christmas programming marks a significant new direction for the museum, which has traditionally focused on its role as a heritage site documenting the Wesley family history.
Sarah Malby from Epworth Old Rectory says, “We really wanted to do something different this year. It’s the first time we've offered such activities and we intend to expand on them next year.”
Costumed volunteers are set to welcome guests into Susanna Wesley's kitchen, where flickering firelight dances across Georgian walls and the aroma of spiced hot chocolate mingles with freshly baked mince pies.
Professional musicians dressed as John and Charles Wesley, will entertain visitors in the Parlour at the Old Rectory, their voices rising in celebration of Charles Wesley's most famous carol, Hark the Herald Angels Sing.
A visiting choir will join the atmospheric evening, filling the eighteenth-century house with song, verse and readings from historic writings. This sold-out event represents the first time such a unique performance has taken place in the very house where the Wesley brothers grew up.
When traditional crafts meet festive celebration
The Make a Willow Angel workshops to be led by Sid Harrison, an expert willow weaver who works with the museum's Living History team, have also proved very popular. The choice of willow weaving reflects the strong connection between craft and place.
Running across four dates in early December, these sessions invite participants to create their own willow angel as a centrepiece for their Christmas decorations. The workshops will take place in the atmospheric setting of Susanna Wesley's kitchen, gathered around the cosy fire, with guests enjoying seasonal mince pies and hot drinks.
Lincolnshire's wet landscape has long supported abundant willow growth, making willow weaving a traditional and important occupation in the area. “Working with traditional craftspeople is incredibly rewarding,” Sarah observed. “They bring such depth of expertise and authentic skill to what we do here.”
The overwhelming response to these inaugural Christmas activities has vindicated the museum's bold new approach. With tickets snapped up weeks in advance and visitors expressing their love for the atmospheric historical experience, the team is already making plans for an expanded programme next year.
The success demonstrates that there is a strong appetite for experiencing Methodist heritage in fresh and engaging ways, particularly when combined with the magic of the festive season in such an authentic Georgian setting.