London
METHODIST HERITAGE
Methodist Church House,
25 Marylebone Road, London
NW1 5JR
t: 020 7467 5257
e: hibbardj@methodistchurch.org.uk
w: www.methodistheritage.org.uk
Methodism’s influential history links 120+ places to visit: four nationally-recognized museums, 18thC family homes, 19thC chapels, There’s something about places with a spiritual heritage that draws us in. Sometimes there’s a serenity, which believers often attribute to years of prayer. There may be colourful (and not always altogether holy!) characters and life-stories. Often there is architectural beauty: from the awe-inspiringly ornate to the breath-takingly simple. Sometimes it’s a treasure-hunt: follow a chapel trail to discover the hidden gems in our landscape. You probably visit the cathedral in any new city destination. Why not explore some more and very different buildings with a Christian heritage?
The Revd John Wesley (1703-1791) was the most prominent of the founders of Methodism. His younger brother, Charles, wrote over 7,000 hymns, including many of Britain’s best-loved Christmas, wedding and funeral songs. The legacy of the denomination can be seen in education, social reform and employment rights. Methodist Heritage has more than 120 special spiritual places to introduce to you. And they’re not all churches! We have Grade 1 listed homes, 18th century rural cottages and 19th century urban chapels – many of the churches in Britain’s outdoor museums have a Methodist heritage. And, as a denomination with a tradition of travelling preachers and outdoor meetings, we have outdoor heritage: monuments, trees and fields, and even a rocky hillside with a folly on top!
The Methodist Church supports four key heritage sites that help to tell its story from the 1700s to the 1900s to today. All are nationally accredited museums. All offer the visitor facilities, tour programmes and schools activities that you might expect from any historic property attraction.
The Old Rectory, Epworth
Home of the Wesley family
An idyllic 18th-century Grade 1 listed ‘Queen Anne’ house & ‘physic’ garden of medicinal plants. Delightful rural town setting. Ask about candlelight tours & quiet days.
The New Room / John Wesley’s Chapel & Charles Wesley’s House (by appointment), Bristol
The cradle of Methodism
Exquisite Georgian buildings & courtyard gardens in the heart of Bristol city. Home to your favourite hymns & carols.
Wesley’s Chapel, John Wesley’s House & Museum of Methodism
London’s hidden 18th-century gems and exciting new museum
The ‘cathedral’ church of Methodism & a rare Georgian gentleman’s townhouse. Explore the newly refurbished museum and discover the story of Methodism through unique and rare objects and an inspirational AV presentation.
Englesea Brook Chapel & Museum of Primitive Methodism
Life & religion in Victorian times
A tranquil spot, in a conservation area in the heart of the Cheshire countryside. School and group visits a speciality.
FInd out more about these and all Methodism’s heritage in the FREE Methodist Heritage Handbook (only P&P to pay) – new edition out October 2014.
To order call 0845 017 8220
email resources@methodistchurch.org.uk
or visit www.methodistpublishing.org.uk
Or search online for www.methodistheritage.org.uk
