Founded in 1893, the Wesley Historical Society seeks to promote the study of the Wesley family and Methodism, in all its aspects. It is one of the leading societies for the exploration of Methodist history and heritage, and cares for one of the most extensive collections of archival and printed collections on Methodism in Britain.

Its collections include:

  • A large series of connexionally produced publications, including a complete sequence of Minutes of (Wesleyan) Conference
  • Serials of Methodist societies and groups, as well as of the various Methodist traditions found in Britain before 1932
  • An extensive run of the Methodist Recorder (complete from the 1880s)
  • Material exploring Methodism in the local area, including pamphlets; cuttings; and archival material, such as circuit plans
  • Archival scrapbooks, manuscripts and research files
  • Works of art, including prints and etchings, as well as portraits of leading Methodists and members of the Wesley family
  • A collection of busts, medallions and ceramics

Its new Library Catalogue is now here, and can be searched here! To request an item, please use our ‘Contact Us’ form, or email us. It also includes material held by John Wesley’s New Room in Bristol and Kingswood School, Bath.

The Society’s art collection catalogue can be found here, with a selection of material available to view on ArtUK.

Information on archival material held by the Society can be provided via email, with much of this material unlisted in a single catalogue.