Epworth: Wesley History and Gardens

Epworth offers several specific themes to explore during a stay: the architectural history of the Old Rectory, the Wesley connections of the churches and statue, and the gardens and local history. If you are looking for a hotel in Epworth, these distinctions can help you decide what to focus on during your trip. Architecture, church furnishings, garden visits and historical collections each offer a different perspective on the town.

The Old Rectory and its gardens

Epworth Old Rectory is a Grade I listed former rectory in the Queen Anne style. It was built by Samuel Wesley in 1709 and is listed as a Grade I building. Both its former function as a rectory and its architecture are therefore central to the site. When planning your visit, note that access differs by floor: the ground floor is accessible, but the upper floor is not wheelchair accessible. If you require wheelchair access, take this restriction into account when planning your visit.

The gardens of the Old Rectory are open year-round and free for everyone to visit. The main gardens feature woodland flowers and native species; visitors may pick fruit in the orchard. Apple Day takes place in the orchard every October. If this event is important to your trip, check the specific dates in advance. The gardens’ year-round availability and Apple Day as an annual October event offer different reasons to plan a visit.

Churches and Wesley connections

St Andrew’s Church is predominantly a 14th- and 15th-century parish church. However, the nave arcades date from the late 12th to early 13th century, while the chancel dates from the early 14th century. These different dates show that the building’s history cannot be described by a single date of origin. The church also has a heritage room with books to browse, display panels and an audiovisual presentation.

Wesley Memorial Methodist Church opened on High Street on 15 September 1889 as a permanent memorial to John and Charles Wesley. The church contains a stained-glass window and a communion table that were previously used at St Andrew’s Church. These two furnishings establish a specific historical connection between the churches, while their construction dates and connections to the Wesleys differ. The statue of John Wesley on Albion Hill looks towards the Old Rectory, John Wesley’s childhood home in Epworth.

The Epworth History Trail starts on High Street, opposite Wesley Memorial Methodist Church. This starting point offers a specific reference if you want to begin by orienting yourself at Wesley Memorial. The statue on Albion Hill and the trail’s starting point on High Street are further, distinct connections to the town’s Wesley history.

Local history at the Houghton Archive

The Houghton Archive is housed in the Epworth Mechanics’ Institute Library. It contains original editions of the newspaper Epworth Bells dating back to 1872, as well as books, documents, photographs and maps relating to local history. The archive therefore complements visits to historic buildings and churches with written and visual records of the town’s history. This gives you a choice of different interests for your stay: local architectural history, gardens, church connections or materials on local history.

Discover more destinations: Sudbrooke, Kirkby on Bain, Donington, Greatford, Wrawby, Appleby, Sutton Bridge, Wilsford.

For the regional travel overview: Lincolnshire.