Chest Tomb To Samuel Wesley Approximately 3 Metres South Of Chancel Of Church Of St Andrew

This is a chest tomb dating from 1735, located approximately 3 metres south of the chancel of the Church of St Andrew in Epworth. The graveslab was recut in 1819, and it features a later 19th-century chest and enclosure, which were restored in 1953. The tomb is made of ashlar stone and has wrought-iron railings. An inscribed stone on the chest commemorates Samuel Wesley from 1735, set within an enclosure that includes an ashlar base and low decorative wrought-iron railings. The inscription on the east side of the chest notes the renovations carried out in 1953 by Tyas Guest Swinton. Samuel Wesley served as the Rector of Epworth from 1696 until his death in 1735 and was the father of John and Charles Wesley. Notably, during Whitsun week in June 1742, John Wesley preached every evening from his father's tomb when he was not permitted to officiate within the church. The tomb is included for its historical significance.