destinations

Epworth

Epworth, photo credit North Lincolnshire Council

pretty historic town, the ‘birthplace of Methodism’

This pretty historic town is literally the ‘birthplace of Methodism’. The area is known as the Isle of Axholme, each town or village being built on areas of higher ground in the surrounding marshland. The area was drained in the 17th century despite violent opposition from the local population.

SPECIAL TO Epworth

  • John and Charles Wesley
  • St Andrew’s Church
  • Epworth Old Rectory

  • Wesley Methodist Memorial Church

Did you know?

Founders of Methodism John and Charles Wesley were born in Lincolnshire, their father the Rev Samuel Wesley was rector of St Andrew’s Church, Epworth from 1695 to 1735.

The Wesley children were baptised in the font and probably received their first Communion from the 17th century chalice which is still used on special occasions. During a fire at the rectory in 1709, John then six, was rescued from the flames by a human ladder formed under his bedroom window. He always described himself as a ‘brand plucked from the burning’. John and Charles formed an association, its timetabled activities – study, prayer, prison visiting, fellowship – left bemused observers to describe those that attended it as ‘Methodist’ because they went about their lives so methodically. The brothers visited America and began a lifelong passionate disapproval of slavery. John preached across the length and breadth of Britain, he is said to have travelled on horseback some 250,000 miles, around 5000 per year.

In 1742 John Wesley entered Epworth on one of his preaching tours. Refused access to the church, he stood on his father’s tomb in the graveyard and began to preach to a large crowd. Charles Wesley died in 1788. The ‘sweet singer of Methodism’ had written many hymns including ‘Loves Divine, All Loves Excelling’ sung at many a wedding to this day.

Museums & Galleries

Epworth Old Rectory

The Old Rectory, rebuilt after the 1709 fire is now maintained as a museum. The Wesley Methodist Memorial Church is set in beautiful gardens and was built in 1889 as a memorial to John and Charles.

more about the North of Lincoln

Discover more about things to do, food and drink and places to stay in the area.

Caistor Lakes
Gainsborough Old Hall