Charles Wesley’s House in Bristol is a restored historic building in England, and considered to be one of the main historical attractions in the city. This house is located at 4 Charles Street, Bristol, England. It was the house of Methodist co-founder and hymn author Charles Wesley from 1749 up to 1778, along with his wife Sarah Wesley. This house served as the childhood home for their sons Charles Wesley junior and Samuel Wesley, who were both considered to be musical child prodigies, as well as their daughter Sarah. Both became well-known organists and composers. Unfortunately, there were also other children who died in their infancy. Charles Wesley and Sarah Gwynne were originally from Brecknockshire, but moved to Bristol in 1749. Primarily, Charles spent his time travelling and preaching around the country. He was often away from his home. Sometimes, Sarah accompanied him. Due to ill health, after 1756 he did not make long journeys. However, he still spent plenty time away in London to attend to the needs of the growing Methodist community.
Classic 18th Century Georgian Architecture
Charles Wesley’s House in Bristol gives visitors a view of an 18th-century family home might have looked like. The two attached houses at 4 and 5 Charles Street were built in the Georgian style. The house is built of brick with 3 stories. The front of each house has two sash windows for each floor and stepped voussoirs hanging over the windows. These two Georgian houses are today surrounded by some modern buildings. The visitors can see some rooms and the garden laid out in exactly the same way as they were in the 1700s. The visitors can also see the study where Charles wrote some of his hymns. In St James’ churchyard, there is the grave of Charles Wesley’s children.
The admission to Charles Wesley’s House in Bristol is £5 for each person. If the visitor wants to combine with a tour of The New Room, he/she should pay £8. In this building, the visitor has very limited coach access. Unfortunately, at present there is no dedicated access for disabled people because of several steep steps and stairs. This visit will provide visitors with an excellent insight into the history of Bristol in the same way that a visit to the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery does.