EPWORTH OLD RECTORY (OPERATIONS)
The Epworth Old Rectory is an Accredtied Museum that is open to the public to experience what it must have been like at the time the Wesley Family lived there and tells the story of this remarkable family which included John and Charles Wesley the founders of the Methodist Church. The house, which is an outstanding example of Queen Anne architecture, contains many artefacts to help tell the story.
Financial health, per its FY2024 accounts
The accounts state that expenditure exceeded income by £33,273 for the year ended 31 December 2024. The trustees report that visitor footfall remains below pre-pandemic levels and staff turnover negatively impacted income, though this was partially offset by non-payment of some salaries. Free reserves are significantly below the stated policy target of £50,000, leaving the charity with a surplus of only £23,878.
What the accounts disclose
“This is surplus is only half the sum that the Directors feel able to justify as reserve.” — page 6
“In 2024 EOR reported a “serious incident” to the Charities Commission. It is referenced by the Charities Commission as “Incident Number 710214”. It was reported as putting finances and reputation at risk.” — page 7
Trustees
- Debbie MacDonaldchair
- ANDREW BAMFORD
- Abbie King
- Andrew David Steers
- Daniel Elkington
- Dr John Lambert
- REV STUART GUNSON BSC
- Rev Vicki Atkinson
- Rosanna Whittaker
Income and spending
| Financial year end | Income | Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 31/12/2024 | £87k | £78k |
| 31/12/2023 | £147k | £79k |
| 31/12/2022 | £84k | £76k |
| 31/12/2021 | £80k | £137k |
| 31/12/2020 | £92k | £79k |
Common questions
Is EPWORTH OLD RECTORY (OPERATIONS) financially healthy?
Per its FY2024 accounts: The accounts state that expenditure exceeded income by £33,273 for the year ended 31 December 2024. The trustees report that visitor footfall remains below pre-pandemic levels and staff turnover negatively impacted income, though this was partially offset by non-payment of some salaries. Free reserves are significantly below the stated policy target of £50,000, leaving the charity with a surplus of only £23,878. Its FY2024 accounts were independently examined.
Government & lottery funding
| Funder | Date | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| The National Lottery Heritage Fund | 22/02/2024 | £191k | "Out of the Box: unlocking collections at Epworth Old Rectory" |