History - Epworth and John Wesley

Epworth's main claim to fame, is that it was the birthplace of the founder of Methodism, John Wesley, who was born at the Old Rectory in 1703, along with his hymn writing brother Charles who was born in 1707. He returned many times to Epworth, giving sermon's from the Market Cross and from his father, Samuel's tomb, next to St Andrew's church. Samuel was the rector of Epworth from 1696 to 1735.

The Wesley Guest House offers 4 Star luxury guest house accommodation in the rural town of Epworth, North Lincolnshire. Located in the Isle of Axholme, so called, because until its drainage, by the Dutch engineer Vermuyden from 1627- 1629, it was an inland island surrounded by rivers.

The bustling centre of the town is based around the Market Place, Fountain Court and High Street areas. There are many businesses and shops, including gift and clothes shops, a bank, estate agents, cafes, some pub's, bakers, local newspaper offices, a supermarket, butchers, florists, beauticians and the Epworth Society's Heritage Centre in the Mechanics Institute building.

The most likely derivation of the name, Epworth, is that it is formed from two Anglo-Saxon words, "Heape" meaning "small hill", or "rising ground" and "urde" meaning, "farm". Therefore the definition means, the farm on the hill, which is most appropriate, as the town lies on one of the few hills in the area, much of Isle being only a few meters above sea level, and some of it below. The town is referred to in the Doomsday Book of 1086 as Epeurde.

The Birth of Methodism - Key Dates

1703 - John Wesley born in Epworth, Lincolnshire, England
1709 - Fire at Epworth Rectory - John Wesley rescued
1714 - Admitted to Charterhouse School, London
1720 - Undergraduate at Christ Church, Oxford
1725 - Ordained deacon
1726 - Elected Fellow of Lincoln College, Oxford
1735 - Missionary in Georgia, returning 1737
1738 - Aldersgate experience: "I felt my heart strangely warmed."
1739 - Commences outdoor preaching
1744 - First Methodist Conference
1751 - Marriage to Mrs Mary Vazeille (separated 1755)
1791 - Died on 3 March at City Road, London