| Epworth | |
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Epworth
Epworth shown within Lincolnshire |
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| Population | 3,734 (Parish) |
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| OS grid reference | SE7803 |
| Unitary authority | North Lincolnshire |
| Ceremonial county | Lincolnshire |
| Region | Yorkshire and the Humber |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | DONCASTER |
| Postcode district | DN9 |
| Dialling code | 01427 |
| Police | Humberside |
| Fire | Humberside |
| Ambulance | East Midlands |
| EU Parliament | Yorkshire and the Humber |
| List of places: UK • England • Lincolnshire | |
Epworth is a small town and civil parish in the Isle of Axholme, North Lincolnshire, England. As the birthplace of John Wesley and Charles Wesley, it has given its name to many institutions associated with Methodism. Their father, Samuel Wesley, was the rector from 1695 to 1735.
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Epworth lies on the A161, about halfway between Goole and Gainsborough. The Axholme Joint Railway served Epworth; it is now closed.
Epworth, is located in the Isle of Axholme. The Isle is so called because, until it was drained by the Dutch engineer Sir Cornelius Vermuyden (1627–1629), it was an inland island surrounded by rivers. A grant of the commons to the freeholders and other tenants, made by deed in 1360 by John de Mowbray, Lord of the Manor, gave privileges and freedoms. The deed caused repercussions in the reign of King Charles I when Vermuyden was given the task of draining the Isle. His work was an outstanding piece of irrigation engineering.
There has been extensive drainage since, which, together with periodic "warping" (intentional flooding to deposit silt and enrich the land), has made this an exceptionally fertile area.
The Isle of Axholme was originally the eight parishes of Althorpe, Belton, Crowle, Epworth, Haxey, Luddington, Owston and Wroot.[1]
The Old Rectory, a Queen Anne style building, rebuilt after the fire of 1709, has been completely restored and is now the property of the World Methodist Council. It is maintained as a museum. It is also the site of supposed paranormal events that occurred there in 1716, while the Wesley family was living in the house.[2]
Epworth's parish church is dedicated to Saint Andrew, located on a hill overlooking the town. Its architecture suggests[says who?] that its oldest part may have been built in the late 12th century with later additions in the 14th and 15th centuries. It is probable that a church stood on the site earlier than that.
An example of the Dutch influence on local architecture can be seen in the building now used as the Post Office, situated in the High Street.
The Epworth Show has been held for over 60 years. The show takes place on the August Bank Holiday Monday, but the show committee organise four horseback riding events between May and September as well as a Beer Festival over the August Bank Holiday weekend.
Epworth has hosted the Epworth Festival of the Plough agricultural fare in recent years.
Beside John and Charles Wesley, other notable people associated with Epworth are: