Notes
- George Holder (1751-1836) was converted at Robin's Hood Bay in Yorkshire, during a visit by John Wesley. He entered the itinerancy in 1782 and exercised an active circuit ministry in the North of England and the Isle of Man until 1818 when he superannuated due to old age. He retired to Whitby. Source: Minutes of Conference 1837 and Hill's Arrangement 1827
- William Frederick, 2nd Duke of Gloucester (1776-1834); The son of William Henry, 1st Duke of Gloucester and the nephew of King George III. At this time William held the rank of Major General in the British army.
- John Ryle (1745-1808) was a wealthy businessman of Macclesfield, Cheshire. He was a warm supporter of Methodism from his youth and in 1762 donated the land for the erection of the town's first chapel. Despite criticism of his evangelical connections, Ryle served as mayor of the town in 1773-74 and was able to provide some measure of protection against the activities of anti-Methodists. Ryle remained fully committed to Methodism throughout his life. He provided hospitality for the preachers and for John Wesley himself and also served as circuit steward. In 1798 he contributed £1000 towards the erection of New Sunderland Street Chapel and served as trustee together with two of his sons John junior and Joshua. In addition to his religious concerns, Ryle was active in all areas of public and municipal life and served in the militia with the rank of Major, in which capacity he entertained Prince William of Gloucester in 1804. Ryle, who was resident at Park House, died on June 16th 1808 after an illness lasting a few days. His obituary in The Gentleman's Magazine describes him as 'affectionate to his relatives, charitable to the poor and liberal to all'. Source: Gentleman's Magazine 1808, 749, Gentleman's Magazine 1809, 84, PLP 5/6.63 and The History of Methodism in Macclesfield by Revd. B. Smith (London: Wesleyan Conference Office, 1875), 74-76, 136, 230-231, 255
From [Shrewsbury] [Bardsley was stationed in Shrewsbury between 1803 and 1805] to Mr Dod at Nanthead Alston. May God bless Dod and his wife and children.
Bardsley was pleased to hear from Brother [George] Holder at the [1803] Conference that Dod had not forgotten Bardsley and indeed wanted him to write.
Since Bardsley last wrote, he has enjoyed reasonable health and God has been kind to his soul. He is never happier than when he is preaching the gospel. During his two years in Birmingham [1799-1801] he met with some Methodists who were kind and some who were not. He liked Bath very well [1801-02] and saw some fruits of his labours especially in Frome. Last year in the Northwich circuit their work was not in vain and had some brought to the knowledge of God's truth in Warrington. Bardsley found it a hard circuit as he had to walk to several places although he met with some very loving people in those parts.
He loves this circuit. The Methodist chapel in Shrewsbury is in such a bad condition especially the roof, that they intend to build a new one. Bardsley has been out raising money and has met some very kind people.
They preach at Madeley, Coalbrookdale, Madeley Wood and Coalport, all of which are in Madeley parish where dear [John] Fletcher was the minister and where his memory is still 'precious among the people'. His widow Mrs [Mary] Fletcher still lives at the vicarage and kindly entertained the preachers. They preach in the barn to good congregations containing both rich and poor. 'Mrs Fletcher is still a Mother in Israel and very useful'.
Bardsley would be very pleased to receive a letter from Dod.
His love should be passed on to Mrs Dod, his brother and his family and Dod's own dear children.
In a postscript, he asks to be informed how his old friend Isaac Hornby is. Bardsley trusts that he is still in the society.
Letters should be addressed to Bardsley at the Methodist chapel in Shrewsbury.
The local Member of Parliament Sir William Pulteney has subscribed £25 to the new chapel. On Tuesday last Prince William of Gloucester reviewed the Macclesfield Loyal Foresters. [One of the many militia units that were raised for home defence during the Napoleonic Wars.] His Highness was entertained with a 'cold collation' [selection of cold meats] by Major [John] Ryle, who is also the steward of the Macclesfield circuit.