EPWORTH

In the rural calm of the Isle of Axholme Epworth stands proud of its claim to be the “capital” of that area.
But this pales when laid alongside the town's other and more meaningful role as the birthplace of John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist Church.



Modern Epworth is a small, but busy, town, the shopping centre for a widespread rural community that today clings steadfastly to its honourable past.

Here the visitor will find St Andrew’s Church where John Wesley's father, Samuel, was rector after the family moved to the town in 1695. And it was from this churchyard that John gave speeches to large crowds when he was barred from entering the building because of his unorthodox beliefs.



And here, too, is the former home of the Wesleys, the Old Rectory, a fine Queen Anne style building, rebuilt after a fire in 1709 and which has been completely restored. It is now the property of the World Methodist Council. It is maintained as a museum.

The influence of John and his brother Charles Wesley on world religion is further underlined by the Wesley Memorial Church in Epworth, built in 1889 and featuring a stained glass window featuring the brothers.

Lying on the A161 about half way between Goole and Gainsborough, Epworth has a good selection of local shops, public houses and places to eat.

Our recommended links...

http://www.epwortholdrectory.org.uk