The Museum of Methodism & John Wesley's House

Thank you to everyone who joined us over Wesley Weekend! This annual event at Wesley's Chapel commemorates John Wesley's conversion experience on 24th May 1738, when he "felt his heart strangely warmed," and his faith strengthened. On the Saturday, John Wesley's House and the Museum of Methodism welcomed people from near and far to an open house and reenactment, to enjoy the lovely weather and learn about some fascinating Methodist heritage. We're already looking forward to next year!

Two days to go! Open house at John Wesley's House on Saturday 23rd May, 11-3. Step back in time into John Wesley's 18th century townhouse and meet the housekeeper and cook; have a go at some Wesley Day crafts; follow a trail to find out who John Wesley was; and find out about Georgian herbal cures from John Wesley's physic in the gardens. ALL ARE WELCOME to this celebration of Methodist heritage - FREE EVENT

ALL ARE WELCOME to an open house at John Wesley's House on Saturday 23rd May, 11am-3pm. Look inside this 18th century home and meet the housemaid and cook; find out how John Wesley lived and what he did in Georgian London; have a go at a craft activity and follow the trails. FREE entry and activities. Museum and Chapel open 10.30am-4pm

This early-20th century organ on display in the museum was designed for use when travelling. From the late 1800s, organs became an increasingly important part of Methodist worship. This one was played in the street to support singing during evangelistic campaigns, and for carolling at Christmas. Although portable, the four-octave organ probably wouldn't have been carried far, as the wooden casing is cumbersome and rather heavy!

Wesley Day 2026 will be held over a weekend, with a celebration of Methodist heritage on Saturday 23rd May, and special services at Wesley's Chapel and St Paul's Cathedral on Sunday 24th May. Pop in or stay all day:
SATURDAY 23RD MAY: 11-3 Open house at John Wesley's House - meet the housekeeper and cook in Georgian costume, and find out why John Wesley was famous! Free activities and trails. Museum and Chapel open. Tours available to see Susannah Wesley's Grave at Bunhill Fields.
SUNDAY 24TH MAY: 11am Worship at Wesley's Chapel. 1.30pm pilgrimage to St Paul's, for Evensong at 3pm. 2.30pm Wesley's prayers at Wesley's Chapel.
ALL ARE WELCOME!

This copper alloy communion cup in the museum collection dates from the mid-1700s, and is believed to have been John Wesley's. The cup was designed for use when travelling, and comes with a close-fitting leather case to protect it from damage.
John would spend weeks at a time travelling to preach in communities around the country, even when he was in his 70s and 80s; by this time he was famous, and large crowds often came to hear him preach.
On April 18th 1779, aged 75, John was away from London, travelling in Yorkshire. He notes in his diary, "In the morning I preached in Haworth church; but in the afternoon I could not: thousands upon thousands were gathered together, so that I was obliged to stand in the church-yard."

It's a month to go until Wesley Weekend! Saturday 23rd May 2026 will be a celebration of John Wesley's heritage. FREE open house at John Wesley's House 11-3, with costumed stewards, activities and trails. Come and find out more about who John Wesley was and why this is a special day for Wesleyan Methodists! Museum of Methodism open 10.30-4. ALL ARE WELCOME!

This oil paining by J.W. Hatherell in the museum collection shows John Wesley preaching outside, possibly in his childhood village of Epworth, Lincolnshire. John is said to have travelled 250,000 miles in his lifetime to evangelise.
Travelling in the 1700s was much more arduous than today. Going any distance on horseback or by carriage was physically tiring, and the roads outside England's major town and cities were in very poor condition. Any added difficulties such as severe weather made journeying near impossible.
By April, John's travelling season would have been well under way, and in April 1780 he had left City Road for a tour of Northern towns and cities. On 17th, he wrote in his diary, "I left Leeds in one of the roughest mornings I have seen. We had rain, snow, and wind, in abundance."
This grim start didn't stop him completing a gruelling schedule of preaching at Bramley, Pudsey and Bradford, as well as a visit to Fulneck!

Wishing all visitors to John Wesley's House and the Museum of Methodism a very Happy Easter!

Looking for something to do with the family this Easter holiday? Pop in to Wesley's tomorrow 1st April, for our Easter activity morning, from 10.15-12.15. Easter crafts, egg hunt, biscuit decorating and more! ALL WELCOME - FREE EVENT Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Activities aimed at children from 0 to 11.