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Gwennap Pit, Busveal, Cornwall. Early 1900s
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Gwennap Pit, Busveal, Cornwall. Early 1900s
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
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TRURI : GWEgp.5
Media ID 13576685
© From the collection of the RIC
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Gwennap Pit - A Testament to Faith and History
EDITORS COMMENTS
. This print captures the essence of Gwennap Pit, an open-air amphitheatre nestled in the picturesque landscape of Busveal, Cornwall. Steeped in history and religious significance, this enchanting site gained fame through John Wesley, the revered founder of Methodism. Dating back to the early 1900s, this image showcases a service taking place at Gwennap Pit. The natural amphitheatre's lush greenery blankets its rock face—a testament to its transformation from a relic of mining activities into a sacred space for worship. Reverend Wesley first set foot here on September 5th, 1762, describing it as a "round green hollow gently shelving down". In November 1806, Richard Michell and four mine Captains undertook the noble task of reconstructing Gwennap Pit as a tribute to John Wesley's memory following his passing in 1791. With twelve staged rings from top to bottom, this remarkable venue can accommodate up to 1,500 people—an awe-inspiring testament to human determination. Between 1762 and 1789 alone, John Wesley delivered eighteen sermons within these hallowed grounds—each word echoing through time and resonating with spiritual seekers across generations. Photographed by Arthur William Jordan (not affiliated with any company), this image invites us into the rich tapestry of Cornwall's heritage—a reminder that faith has not only shaped our past but continues to inspire us today.
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