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Myers Literary Guide:
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The North-East
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CHARLES WESLEY (1707 - 1788) Born at Epworth, Lincs. Wesley is perhaps England's greatest hymn writer. Like his brother John Wesley (q.v.) he kept a journal for many years and records, an incredible number of miles travelled while preaching - this despite recurring ill-health. He was in Newcastle in 1743, when he also preached at Tanfield and Pelton. He visited sick keelmen (q.v.) in their hospital. In South Shields he had a rough response from both clergy and laity, and having crossed the Tyne by ferry to North Shields, received a similar reception, with the preacher blowing a horn to encourage a vocal mob. Wesley was back again in the North East in 1744, preaching in Newcastle, at the glass-houses, and in Whickham . In 1745 he records heavy snow: 'Nov 20th: I walked back to Newcastle oftimes up to my middle in snow.' In 1746, Wesley visited Newcastle again, as well as Whickham, Ryton, Hexham and Ferryhill. 1751 saw him again in Durham and Newcastle.
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