Hearth Project

Putting the Hearth back into the Home
The first stage of the major development project has begun. This will restore the main chimney breast with the fireplaces on either side. One is in the entrance hall and the other in the fore-kitchen. Both are very important rooms in the house. Transparent screens enable you to see the archaeological work taking place. Come and see what we discover. Conservation work is also being carried out on the whole house. Up to date information and progress can be found on facebook.

The Grounds

The Rectory is set in peaceful grounds. Some is still maintained as a croft where heritage breeds of livestock graze. There is also an established lawn area, perfect for picnics, a heritage orchard and wildflower garden, a vegetable area and the Physic Garden. Here the plants that John Wesley used in his book of home-spun remedies 'Primitive Physic' are growing click here for more information.

Coming Soon

Fri Mar 15 2013
to Sun Dec 8 2013

EVENTS CALENDAR FOR 2013

Fri May 24 2013
to Mon May 27 2013

Epworth Arts Festival

Sat May 25 2013

Friends event

Mon May 27 2013

Epworth Arts Festival at Epworth Old Rectory

Sat Jul 20 2013

Summer Craft Fair

Tue Aug 6 2013

Concert by US choir - Starfire Singers

Sun Sep 15 2013

Heritage Open Day

Events Page

Welcome to Epworth Old Rectory

A visit to this impressive Grade 1 listed Old Rectory built in Queen Anne style in 1709, will transport you back to life in the early 18th century and introduce you to the remarkable family who lived there.

This is the home in which the Rector of the parish of St. Andrew, Epworth, Samuel Wesley and his wife Susanna brought up their sons, John and Charles Wesley, who went on to develop the Methodist movement, with their seven sisters and elder brother Samuel.

Come and visit the Old Rectory and see how the Wesley family lived and learn about the influences of their early life here. The history of 18th century England is brought to life here and you can learn about the huge influence the Wesleys had on it.

Other things to do

You can also visit the shop selling books and other items relating to Epworth Old Rectory and the Wesley family. There is also a special exhibition every year which you can experience as part of the tour of the house, or separately. In addition there are second hand books on sale which raise funds for the development of Epworth Old Rectory.

Catering can be arranged for groups click here for details and a range of other activities are also available click here for details.

While you are in Epworth, you can also follow the Wesley trail. See details of other sites in the town relating to the Wesleys and the development of Methodism.

Words of Wesley

There is nothing we are, or have, or do, which can deserve the least thing at God’s hand… whatever righteousness may be found in man, this is also the gift of God.

John Wesley

Opening Times

March, April & October

Tuesdays to Saturdays & Bank Holiday Mondays

10:30am - 3:30pm


May to September

Tuesdays to Saturdays & Bank Holiday Mondays

10:00am - 4:30pm


Last admission 30 minutes before closing

Plan your visit

Development Project

The trustees of Epworth Old Rectory are committed to develop the site to enable the Wesley story to communicate more effectively to as wide an audience as possible. Click here for more information.

Would you like to help to make this vision a reality? We would be grateful for any donations. You can send a cheque to us by post, telephone us to make a donation by credit card, or use MyDonate.

Epworth Old Rectory, 1 Rectory Street, Epworth, North Lincolnshire DN9 1HX
Telephone: 01427 872268 - Registered Charity Number: 1140335 - Admin