John Wesley

Welcome to Epworth Old Rectory. A visit to this impressive grade 1 listed Queen Anne building set in beautiful gardens will transport you back into early 18th century life and introduce you to the remarkable family who lived here.

This is the home in which the rector of Epworth, Samuel Wesley, and his wife Susanna brought up their two sons John and Charles Wesley (the founders of Methodism) in their childhood years.  As you tour the Old Rectory under the guidance of one 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. St. Andrew's Church where Samuel Wesley was the RectorThe history of 18th century England will be brought to life, and you will 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.

There's plenty for all the family at Epworth, so step back in history and experience the gentle tranquillity of this Lincolnshire town and its Old Rectory which brought to birth such an amazing family.

The Rectory Shop
Old Rectory ShopOnce you've toured the Old Rectory, visited the Physic Garden and walked round the beautiful grounds, come and browse the books and souvenirs in the shop.  There's something here to interest everyone.  You can see more details about some of the major items on sale by clicking on the 'Old Rectory' tab and going to 'Shop'
The Physic Garden
Physic Garden

John Wesley had a great interest in natural remedies and wrote a popular book called Primitive Physick which suggested cures for things like baldness, indigestion and the common cold. The Physic Garden at Epworth includes many of the plants and herbs Wesley used for such cures, and you will enjoy spending time here. You may visit the Physic Garden without touring the Old Rectory.
   
Epworth Town
Epworth TownEpworth is only three miles from the M180 and twenty miles from Doncaster. A visit to this attractive town on the historic Isle of Axholme will afford plenty to interest you besides the Old Rectory itself – shops and a garden centre as well as other historic buildings. Other attractions nearby include Sandtoft Transport Museum (5 miles), Hatfield Water Park (7 miles), Normanby Hall Country Park (10 miles) and Gainsborough Old Hall with its special Wesley display (12 miles).
The Wesley Trail

Wesley TrailYou can easily spend the whole day in Epworth following the Wesley Trail.  Visit the historic St Andrew's Church, where Samuel Wesley was the rector, the Wesley family worshipped and outside which John Wesley later preached standing on his father's tomb after being banned from preaching in the church.  See the market cross where Wesley preached just across the road from the old Red Lion Inn where he lodged on later visits to Epworth, and visit the impressive Wesley Memorial Methodist Church built in memory of the Wesleys in 1889.
   
March, April & October
Monday - Saturday 10am - 3:30pm
Sunday 2pm - 4:30pm
May to September
Monday - Saturday 10am - 4:30pm
Sunday 2pm - 4:30pm
New for 2008 - Saturdays in November
10:30am - 3:30pm
Last admissions - 30 minutes before closing

We are open daily from March 1st to October 31st, including Bank Holidays.

We can provide catering for groups by prior arrangement with the curator.