Memories of William Simmonds

My grandfather and grandmother attended the Wesleyan Methodist Chapel at Nether Westcote.

My grandfather was the village Carpenter and Wheelwright and Undertaker, he was also a Lay preacher. They are buried in the Church Cemetery at Church Westcote.

I have been told that in the late 1700’s two of our family visited Oxford*, and heard John Wesley preach, they came back to Westcote changed men and either they or others of our family built the Wesleyan Chapel, still a place of worship.

Any added information on where my ancestors heard Wesley preach etc etc would be appreciated. My father Roland Simmonds, was the youngest of 12 or 13 children, we believe all the children came to faith in Christ either at Westcote or later. James R Simmonds

* [Editor: it is possible that your ancestor heard Wesley preach in the meeting house in New Inn Hall Street – now numbers 32 – 34. Wesley also preached in private houses and in other churches by invitation.]