Letter

  • This material is held at
  • Reference
      GB 133 PLP 28/14/28
  • Former Reference
      GB 135 PLP 28/14/28
  • Dates of Creation
      24 Sep 1806
  • Physical Description
      1 item

Scope and Content

Copy letter from Bristol to Viscount Erskine, Lord High Chancellor, asking for his help in stopping the persecution of the Jersey Methodists because of their refusal to undergo militia training on Sundays. This has led to the banishment from the island of their preacher, Mr Knowles.

Coke describes in detail the earlier outbreak of persecution [1798], and the eventual intervention on behalf of the Methodists by the Privy Council. Coke emphasizes the loyalty of the Methodist Connexion, as evidenced by their activities during the rebellion in Ireland [1798], with specific reference to the fighting in Dublin, Killybeggan and Monestrevan, and also by their defence of the West Indian island of Tortola.