The Old Epworth Rectory

(click the picture to link to the Old Rectory Website)

The Old Rectory is the house in which John and Charles Wesley grew up.

In the year 1954 the Old Rectory, falling into a serious state of disrepair, was offered to the Methodist Church by the Church of England. It was duly purchased and became the property of the World Methodist Council. Plans for it's complete restoration were drawn up, and work was commenced in the autumn of 1956.

Everything was done in an endeavour to restore the building just as it was when it was built in 1709, in the solid and attractive architectural style of the reign of Queen Anne. It has retained it's essential character of a home, where visitors and guests from all over the world are made welcome and where retreats for study and fellowship can meet.

The motto of the oldest Coat of Arms of the Wesleys, which is over the main entrance, is particularly appropriate for this old homestead:-

"To us the duty, to others the use, to God the glory."