Religious Heritage

John Wesley (1703 - 1791)

Founder of the Methodist Church, Wesley worked and preached in Bristol. His statue can be seen outside the New Room in Broadmead, the first Methodist Chapel in the world.

John Wesley's New Room

The New Room is the oldest Methodist building in the world, and was originally built by John Wesley shortly after his arrival in Bristol in 1739. The chapel that can be seen today is the extended building from 1748 which also includes preachers' rooms upstairs.

The building was used as a meeting house, school and dispensary for medicine as well as a chapel and it is where the early roots of Methodism were established.

Open from Monday to Saturday, 10am - 4pm.

In addition to the New Room, there is also the Charles Wesley House located nearby. The world's greatest hymn-writer and younger brother of John lived in Bristol for over 20 years and the property is presented as it would have been at the time that Charles and his family lived there.

Other Churches & Cathedrals

Bristol Cathedral - One of the UK's finest hall churches, Bristol Cathedral plays host to regular choir performances, concerts and special services throughout the year.

St Mary Redcliffe - Explore the centuries-old gothic arches and beautiful stained glass windows at this fine English church.

St John the Baptist's Church - The only surviving church built on the original 12th century Saxon wall of Bristol's old city.