On the Newton Road in Great Barr, you’ll find an 18th century cottage which was the boyhood home of Francis Asbury, the first American Methodist Bishop.
Asbury is virtually unknown in Britain but has his own statue on the Capitol in Washington.
He travelled thousands of miles across America preaching and spreading the Methodist word, putting forward anti-slavery views, supporting the American War of Independence and even meeting George Washington. All from humble beginnings just outside West Bromwich.
He’s probably the most famous person to have come from Sandwell – and many of us will never have heard of him.
The cottage is furnished in period style, and has memorabilia and information relating to Asbury’s life in West Bromwich, America and in the cottage itself.
There’s also information relating to the rise of Methodism in the Black Country, and links to John Wesley’s life and times.
Read more about Bishop Asbury and his beginnings in what became Sandwell back in the 1700s.
Bishop Asbury’s Cottage is holding open days on Friday 5 August 2022 12pm-2pm and Sunday 7 August 2022 10.30am-12.30pm. Please be aware that the cottage is very small with steep steps up to the building and a steep staircase inside. Admission is free.
