St Andrew
Epworth, Lincolnshire
St Andrew’s has its origins in the 12th century and has architectural features from the 12th to the 15th centuries, with some later additions.
This is the home in which the rector of Epworth Samuel Wesley, and his wife Susanna, brought up their sons John and Charles Wesley (the founders of Methodism) in their childhood years.
As you tour the Old Rectory under the guidance of our trained staff you will see how people lived in the early 1700s: come through the front door into the impressive entrance hall, visit Samuel's study and Susanna's kitchen, enjoy the space of the family drawing room, see the family bedrooms and then spend some time in the peaceful gardens.
The history of 18th century England is brought to life here, and you can learn about the huge influence the Wesleys had on it. John was not only a preacher and writer, but was active in many social spheres ranging from prisons to slavery, from education to herbal medicines. His brother Charles was the greatest of English hymn writers, many of whose 7,000 hymns are still popular today.