2019
SE7803 : Information Board near The Old Rectory, Epworth
taken 5 years ago, near to Epworth, North Lincolnshire, England
Information Board near The Old Rectory, Epworth
This photo shows the information board on a building adjacent to The Old Rectory. It shows a map of Epworth village on the left, while on the right it refers to Explore Epworth, the Home of The Wesleys, and has the following wording below:
Epworth Old Rectory
Epworth Old Rectory was built in 1709 - at a cost of £400 - to replace the
previous thatch and timber building which was burnt down during the "Great
Fire of February 1709" deliberately because the Rector, Samuel Wesley was not
popular.
The young John Wesley who was only five and a half years old at this time, was
rescued from the first floor window just before certain death in the inferno
and was immediately referred to by his mother as "a brand plucked from the
burning". This traumatic experience was to stay with him for the rest of his
life. There are pictures in Epworth Old Rectory depicting this event.
After the death of Samuel in 1735 the Wesleys had to move out of the Old
Rectory. The house remained the home of the rectors of Epworth until 1954 when
the British Methodist Church purchased it. It was first opened to the public
in 1957 as a museum and place of hospitality. The house forms part of the
charitable operations of the World Methodist Council.
During the guided tour you will see furniture in the style of the period.
There are also collections of memorabilia, such as prints and paintings. The
house is open to the public from the beginning of March to the end of October.
One of the most curious aspects of Epworth Old Rectory is the legend of Old
Jeffery, a mischievous poltergeist who is known to have plagued the Wesley
family with his tricks. He is named after an old man who died at the house.
After your tour why not visit the shop and gardens including the physic
garden? There are also special events and tours throughout the year, so call
in and find out more.
After your tour of the Wesley's former home, retrace your steps to the Market
Place and from there onto the Wesley Memorial Methodist Church where the final
chapter of Epworth's Wesleyan history will unfold.
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