The life and times of the Rev. Samuel Wesley Rector of Epworth and father of the Revs. John and Charles Wesley, the founders of the Methodists

This carefully researched biography brings to life the world of a 17th‑century Anglican clergyman whose steady scholarship and personal integrity have often been eclipsed by the fame of his sons. Set against the turbulence of civil war, the Restoration, and the early stirrings of dissenting movements, the narrative follows Samuel Wesley’s upbringing, his academic pursuits, and his long tenure at Epworth. Readers will encounter the challenges he faced as a rector navigating political and religious upheavals while maintaining a deep devotion to his parish.

Beyond the public record, the author weaves in previously unpublished letters and contemporary accounts that reveal a man of gentle humor, firm principles, and quiet perseverance. By examining his relationships with family, colleagues, and the broader community, the work offers a richer understanding of the foundations upon which the Methodist movement later grew. Listeners will gain a nuanced portrait of a father whose steady example helped shape two of Britain’s most influential religious reformers.