The GARSTANG CIRCUIT dates from 1811, soon after a well-known preacher from Preston, Moses Holden, had toured the villages and small towns of the region north and west of Preston known as The Fylde.  1811 was also the year in which the very unusual octagonal chapel at Bilsborrow was converted from a pottery for use by the Methodists. A much-loved account of this period is THE APOSTLES OF FYLDE METHODISM by John Taylor, published in 1885.

This book provides a highly readable account of the penetration of Methodism into Garstang and the surrounding area, and from there into Blackpool as it grew in importance in the first half of the 19th century.

Several chapters are of great interest with respect to the Garstang Circuit. In particular:
Michael Emmett's missionary visit to Garstang and the area beyond (Chapter 5), the story of the great overseas missionary, William Threlfall of Woodplumpton (Chapter 8), Richard Mason, the first Methodist in Pilling (Chapter 9), the role of George Fishwick in establishing the churches in Hollins Lane and Scorton (Chapter 11), and much more.

CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE FULL TEXT OF THE APOSTLES OF FYLDE METHODISM

Click here to go forward to the contents of a volume published as a tribute to Mrs Fishwick

A recent book that will be of great interest to anyone enquiring into the history of Methodism in Lancashire is THE BECKONING OF THE WEST by Norman Cunliffe.  This is an account of the origins of Methodism in the county, and its westwards spread.  Mr Cunliffe has copies available and may be contacted directly on 01253-593258.