Bristol home of hymn writer Charles Wesley opens to the public

The Bristol home of Methodist Charles Wesley is due to reopen to the public later for the first time in a year.

Wesley, who died in 1788, was a prolific hymn writer whose 6,000 plus compositions included well-known works such as Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.

Alongside his elder brother John, Wesley started the Methodist movement in the Church of England.

Wesley’s 18th Century house at 4 Charles Street has only been open to pre-booked groups for the past year but will now reopen to the public, with tickets starting at £8 per person.

Wesley was most influential for his hymn writing, composing more than 6,000 hymns, many of which are still widely sung in Christian worship.

His most enduring works include And Can It Be, Christ the Lord Is Risen Today and O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing.

Wesley lived in the Charles Street house with his wife Sarah Gwynne and their children from 1766 to 1771.

The family then moved to London but Wesley continued to use it during visits to Bristol until at least 1782.

Visitors to the house will be able to explore six restored rooms, including the parlour, music room, study, kitchen and two bedrooms, and learn about the lives of the Wesleys and their impact on faith, music and culture.

The tour of Wesley’s restored Georgian home offers an opportunity to gain personal insight into the Wesley’s family life, legacy and music.

The house was built in 1742, possibly by George Tully, who was responsible for rebuilding Jon Wesley’s New Room in Bristol, which is the oldest Methodist chapel in the world.

Visitors can book a combined ticket for £13 which includes entry to Charles Wesley’s House and John Wesley’s New Room.