Gwennap Pit

Cornwall's Historic Methodist Amphitheatre

Nestled near Redruth in the heart of Cornwall's mining country, Gwennap Pit stands as a unique natural amphitheatre formed centuries ago when the ground collapsed into an abandoned mine shaft.

Despite Cornwall's often stormy weather, this remarkable depression has never filled with water, making it a geological anomaly that would become one of the most significant sites in Methodist history.

Methodist Significance

The pit gained fame through John Wesley, founder of Methodism, who preached here on 18 occasions between 1762 and 1789. Wesley described it as "the most magnificent spectacle this side of heaven," and drew crowds of up

Historical Development

Following Wesley's death, local miners transformed the site into a permanent memorial between 1803-1806, cutting 13 circular grass terraces that could accommodate up to 2,000 people. They created "Wesley's Pulpit" - sto