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Gwennap Pit, Busveal, Cornwall. 1910
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Royal Cornwall Museum
Gwennap Pit, Busveal, Cornwall. 1910
A service at Gwennap Pit, an open air amphitheatre near Redruth made famous by John Wesley the founder of Methodism. John Wesley first visited Gwennap Pit on 5th September 1762. At this time it was described as a relic of mining activities in the area, with a rock face covered in vegetation by the 1760s. In 1766 Wesley described it as " a round green hollow gently shelving down" and as " a natural amphitheatre". In November 1806 a mining engineer Richard Michell of Gwennap and four mine Captains: John Martin, John Dennis, W. Davey and T. Trestrail met at Busveal and agreed to repair Gwennap Pit or rather reconstruct the amphitheatre in respect to and in memory of John Wesley who had died in 1791. Between 1762 and 1789 John Wesley preached at Gwennap Pit eighteen times. The amphitheatre has twelve staged rings top to bottom. It is claimed that walking around all twelve levels top to bottom is equal to one mile and that it can hold 1, 500 people. Photographer: Arthur William Jordan
Royal Cornwall Museum is the UK's Greatest Museum For Cornish Life & Culture
TRURI : GWEgp.7
Media ID 13576697
© From the collection of the RIC
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the historic Gwennap Pit in Busveal, Cornwall, dating back to 1910. The image showcases an open-air amphitheatre that gained fame through John Wesley, the founder of Methodism. Wesley first visited this remarkable site on September 5th, 1762. Originally considered a remnant of mining activities adorned with lush vegetation by the 1760s, Wesley described it as a "round green hollow gently shelving down" and a "natural amphitheatre" in 1766. In November 1806, Richard Michell, a mining engineer from Gwennap along with four mine Captains: John Martin, John Dennis, W. Davey and T. Trestrail gathered at Busveal to restore and reconstruct Gwennap Pit as a tribute to John Wesley's memory after his passing in 1791. Between the years of 1762 and 1789, Wesley delivered eighteen sermons at this iconic location. The photograph reveals twelve staged rings within the amphitheatre from top to bottom while also highlighting its capacity to hold up to an impressive crowd of around 1,500 people. It is said that walking around all twelve levels is equivalent to covering one mile. Taken by photographer Arthur William Jordan (not affiliated with any company), this print serves as both a visual testament to history and an invitation for viewers to explore the rich heritage associated with Gwennap Pit and its significant role in Methodism's development.
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