Englesea Brook is one of the four main Methodist heritage sites in the UK. It focuses on the story of the Primitive Methodists (known as the Ranters), a working class revival movement which started in North Staffordshire and spread around the world. The Primitive Methodists were instrumental in the development of trade unionism and sent some of the first working class MPs to Parliament. At Englesea Brook you can enjoy the peace and quiet of the small chapel of the Primitive Methodists, where occasional services are still held, and explore the graveyard as well as the exhibitions and displays in the adjacent museum.

The museum’s collection includes more than 4,000 artefacts and an extensive archive related to the history of the movement. The displays explore themes such as the Primitive Methodists’ promotion of temperance, and the experiences of conscientious objectors in the First World War.

• The museum holds 115 stunning decorative banners, some of which are on display while others are available digitally.
• The grave of Hugh Bourne, co-founder of the Primitive Methodist movement, is at Englesea Brook.