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CHRISTMAS TOURS OF HISTORIC BRISTOL HOUSE HIT THE RIGHT NOTE 

Issued with photo: Margaret Johnston and friends from Salem Methodist Church, Winterbourne, in the family music room of Charles Wesley’s House 

A Winterbourne woman who organised a pre-Christmas outing for a group of her friends to visit of one of the city’s best-preserved Georgian homes – all decked out for Christmas – is urging other locals to make the most of the few remaining festive tours left. 

Charles Wesley’s House, at number 4 Charles Street near Stokes Croft, will open for just three more pre-bookable tours on the mornings of 5, 14 and 19 December. The house - built in 1742 - was home to the hymn-writer Charles Wesley and his family from 1756-1771 and is normally only available for group bookings.  

Margaret Johnston, who went on the first tour today (28 November) along with 11 friends, said: “This has been a lovely way to begin Christmas. Our guides were great and had a lovely relaxed approach with lots of interesting information.” 

“I saw Charles Wesley’s house years ago, back in 1999, when it was first opened to the public, but there’s a lot more to see now and there’s so much interesting history about Charles, his family, the era they lived and the architecture.” 

Tours organiser Kate Rogers, community engagement officer for the New Room, said: “We thought people would appreciate the chance to have a peek inside the home of Charles Wesley, especially at Christmas, since his carols are still sung everywhere. We’re delighted today’s group enjoyed themselves so much!  

“Each tour ends with mince pies and a sing-along in the family music room. Today’s group chose to sing “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” which is one of Charles Wesley’s most famous carols, and our visitors clearly loved it.” 

Spaces on the remaining tours are limited so pre-booking by phone is essential on 0117 926 4740, with places at £5 each. All tours are scheduled for an 11.30am start outside 4 Charles Street, Bristol BS1 3NN on 5, 14 and 19 December only, and will be led by volunteers of the New Room team. 

Since this listed building is entered by steps and has five floors linked by a steep and winding staircase, regrettably disabled access cannot be provided. 

Group bookings are welcome, offering an unusual Christmas social for church groups and social clubs for whom the New Room, in nearby Broadmead, can also offer pre-bookable Christmas buffets. More details are available from community@newroombristol.org.uk . 

For details of the tours see: https://bit.ly/36opvCm and for tour bookings call Kate Rogers on 0117 9264740. 

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