Wesley did not seek to break with the Anglican Church but his beliefs that it should reform by returning to the gospel proved intolerable to the establishment.

He was first labelled "methodist" because of the methodical worship which he practiced with like-minded friends with whom he met regularly in Oxford during his younger years.

Blocked from airing his views from the pulpit, he developed an unorthodox habit of touring the country on horseback or by carriage, preaching to large crowds in the open air.

The Wesleys also did a good line in hymns. Charles, John Wesley's brother and fellow preacher, wrote the some of the country's best-known songs, including Hark! the Herald Angels Sing, Love Divine, All Loves Excelling and Soldiers of Christ, Arise.