John Wesley died today in 1791. One of a huge family from Epworth in Lincolnshire (the family home is a museum today) Wesley went to Oxford and joined the Holy Club, a group of practical do-gooders at a time when the Church of England, which he also joined was more concerned with lining its own pockets and only worked one day a week. He brought religion to the people at a time when the dear old C of E had largely abandoned them, preaching in the open air in industrial areas. He was autocratic (his enemies called him Pope John) and his medical remedies could kill you, but if you want a moment of pure peace, visit the Methodist chapel in Bristol where he used to preach. The stable for his horse is just next door and amongst the noise and bustle of a modern city, you are transported back to another time.
Way to go, John.
In other news ...
I'm probably a Philistine, but what is it about ballet? The first one to be staged in England, The Loves of Mars and Venus, was performed at a Drury Lane theatre on this day back in 1717. Take a dramatic event - let's say the slave revolt of the gladiator Spartacus - and let's have a load of blokes with no strides on (that's a direct quote from Paul Hogan, by the way) jumping around to music.
Spartacus must be turning in his grave. And don't get me started on Billy Elliott!
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