Focus On: The John Wesley Chapel and Museum

The Highbury Centre is located in the historic borough of Highbury and Islington, packed with fascinating places and within easy reach of any number of churches, open spaces and attractions. One of these is the historic Museum of Methodism and John Wesley’s House at 49 City Road, just under 3 miles away from us.

The father of Methodism, John Wesley, commissioned his new house in Shoreditch and moved in during the late 1779. It was always more than just a place to rest. The great preacher used it as his London base during the winter months and opened it to other visiting preachers and family. In 1898, not long after the Foreign Missions Club was established, it was opened to the public.

The Museum houses a fascinating collection including a selection of Wesley’s sermons, objects from Methodist churches around the world in the eighteenth century and Wesley’s death mask and hair. His study chair and the small prayer room he valued so highly as part of his faith are also on show. A recent addition is the Physick Garden, full of the medicinal herbs and plants used in Wesley’s time. 24th May is the day celebrated as Wesley Day at the museum every year with lots of fun family activities.

The Chapel is a fascinating and beautiful space, the only Methodist Church to feature in the definitive volume “England’s Thousand Best Churches”. It is opened six days a week, but closed on Sundays to the general public for services.

The Museum is easy to find, just up the road from Old Street and Moorgate underground stations. The historic Bunhill Fields burial ground is opposite if you fancy continuing your journey through times gone by. Its three most famous inhabitants are Daniel Defoe, William Blake and John Bunyan.   

To find out more, visit the Museum’s website at: www.wesleysheritage.org.uk. Groups of 6 people need to book their visit in advance on 020 7253 2262.