Information Board near The Old Rectory, Epworth

Image: © David Hillas Taken: 18 Jul 2019

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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