Wesley's Chapel, Museum of Methodism and John Wesley's House
What Visitors Say
A good museum, with a nice video introduction to Methodism. Some neat paintings and explanations about John Wesley. A few other old artefacts. The staff are polite and you can ask them if you wish to see the house he lived in just within the premises. For the house there is a £6 charge to view. There’s also a small shop you can peruse within the main chapel as well as access to the main chapel. It’s a reasonable volunteer run museum but not one I’d be in a rush to return to.
The Museum of Methodism, located at Wesley's Chapel in London, offers a comprehensive insight into the history, impact, and evolution of Methodism, a Christian denomination founded by John Wesley in the 18th century. The museum is a significant cultural and religious site that preserves artifacts, documents, and exhibits related to Methodism’s influence on Britain and the world. ## Key Features of the Museum of Methodism ### **Location and Historical Significance** - The museum is housed in the crypt of Wesley's Chapel, built by John Wesley in 1778. - Wesley's Chapel is often referred to as the "Mother Church of World Methodism" and remains an active place of worship. - Adjacent to the chapel is John Wesley's House, a well-preserved Georgian townhouse where Wesley lived for over a decade. This house provides insights into his modest lifestyle and the Georgian era. ### **Exhibits and Artifacts** The museum features several permanent displays that narrate the story of Methodism: - **"The Warmed Heart"**: Focuses on John Wesley's spiritual conversion, showcasing his Field Bible in a contemplative space. - **"Mr Wesley’s New Chapel"**: Traces the history of Wesley's Chapel using maps dating back to 1746. - **"Connecting the Connexion"**: Illustrates Wesley's organizational system for Methodist societies, including membership tickets and prints of Francis Asbury, who played a key role in Methodism’s separation from the Church of England. Other notable artifacts include: - John Wesley's death mask - His wooden pulpit from The Foundery Chapel - Original letters and archival documents - Commemorative pottery and paintings ### **Interactive Features** Visitors can access interactive displays via tablet computers, which provide access to John Wesley’s sermons, Charles Wesley’s hymns, burial records, and other historical documents. Audio-visual presentations further enhance understanding of Methodism’s development. ### **John Wesley's House** This Georgian townhouse offers a glimpse into Wesley’s daily life. Key features include: - His study chair - An electrical machine he used for health experiments - A prayer room considered the "Power House of Methodism" ### **Community Engagement** Wesley’s Chapel continues to serve as a hub for worship and community activities. It hosts regular services, concerts, seminars, and educational workshops. The chapel grounds also include John Wesley’s tomb and Bunhill Fields cemetery nearby, which holds graves of notable nonconformist figures like William Blake and Daniel Defoe. ## Visitor Information - **Admission**: Free (donations welcome) - **Opening Hours**: Monday–Saturday (10 AM–3 PM). On Sundays, tours are available after morning worship. - **Location**: 49 City Road, London (near Old Street Underground Station) The Museum of Methodism is not only a place for those interested in religious history but also for visitors curious about its role in social reform, abolition movements, education, and temperance advocacy. It offers an enriching experience that connects faith with historical context.
Excellent collection of information, artefacts and memorabilia associated with John Wesley housed below the beautiful church. Out the back is his tomb. Theres also of course info on brother Charles and mother Susanna. Wide range of good priced items in the shop. Suggestion donation £5. Open til 4pm. Across the road from Bunhill burial ground
This is a place I wanted to visit for some time. I have been for a long time fascinated by the work of the Wesley brothers and George Whitfield and how Britain was so much transformed for the better by God through these men. There is hope for a lost generation. God can do it again.
A well curated museum, with the still in use chapel, as well as John Wesley’s house. Take a couple of hours to visit.
Highlights
Museum of Methodism
Origins and growth of a global movementMembership tickets, letters and prints explain how Wesley’s ‘connexion’ organized people, money and mission.
Crypt galleries beneath the chapel
Wesley’s House
A writer’s rooms, intactStudy chair, prayer room (‘Power House of Methodism’) and domestic spaces reveal work routines behind the sermons.
Georgian townhouse on site
Foundery Pulpit & Death Mask
Tangible links to the founderThe wooden pulpit and a cast taken after Wesley’s death anchor the narrative in objects that travelled with the movement.
Museum cases
The Chapel
1770s architecture still in useA living sanctuary frames the museum story—faith, music and space continue to interact here every week.
Ground level
Opening Hours
Fun Facts
The museum highlights Wesley’s ‘warmed heart’ conversion and shows early organizational tools like membership tickets that stitched scattered societies together.
John Wesley’s House preserves a small prayer room that many visitors call the movement’s ‘Power House’.
Core museum admission is free (donations suggested); guided entry to Wesley’s House is a modest paid add-on.
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