Walsall is a West Midlands town historically in Staffordshire and around 9 miles north west of Birmingham. . From the 11th century the town's prosperity came from coal, iron ore and limestone and there has been metal-processing since the 14th century. The town was transformed from a large village to a major manufacturing town with the industrial revolution.

Both Charles Wesley and John Wesley on their visits to Walsall in 1743 and 1744 were met with violence. On Monday 26 March 1764 John Wesley preached at 7 am to an attentive crowd. Wesley later commented: “All present were earnestly attentive. How is Walsall changed!”

Wesleyan: In 1770 the Society hired a room in Dudley Street. The first chapel was built in Bedlam Court off High Street in 1801. A Sunday school was begun in 1807. These premises were replaced by a new chapel in Ablewell Street, opened on 26 March 1829. These premises were replaced in 1859. This was succeeded by a Central Hall, seating 1400 people, which was opened on 9 January 1930.

The Methodist New Connexion opened a chapel in 1860, the Primitive Methodists in 1872 and the United Methodist Free Churches in 1862.

Entry written by: DHR
Category: Place
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