Bishop Asbury Cottage

About the museum

Bishop Asbury Cottage was the boyhood home of Francis Asbury, who grew up in Great Barr near West Bromwich and left for America at the age of 26, never to return. He became the first American Methodist bishop and is regarded as an important figure in the founding of an independent American nation; a statue of him stands in Washington, although he is little known in Britain.

The cottage is believed to date from the early 18th century. It is a simple artisan's dwelling built of brick, tile and timber, with two rooms downstairs and two upstairs. It was originally part of a short terrace, but the neighbouring cottages were pulled down when Newton Road was widened, and the cottage now stands alone beside a busy road next to the Malt Shovel pub.

Inside, the cottage is furnished in period style and displays memorabilia and information on Asbury's life in West Bromwich, in America and in the cottage itself. It also gives background on the rise of Methodism in the Black Country and on John Wesley's links with the area. The cottage is looked after by Sandwell Museums, and a 3D tour can be viewed online.

Highlights

• Boyhood home of Francis Asbury, first American Methodist bishop
• Early 18th-century artisan's cottage in brick, tile and timber
• Period furnishings and memorabilia
• Background on Methodism and John Wesley in the Black Country
• Online 3D tour

Permanent exhibition

• Francis Asbury's boyhood home – A period-furnished cottage with memorabilia and information on Asbury's life in West Bromwich and America and on the rise of Methodism in the Black Country.

Operated by

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council (Sandwell Museums)

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Entrance to Sandwell Museums sites is free, although there may be a charge for some activities.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom: not available
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The cottage is very small and is entered by a few steep steps. There are no toilets or running water on site. Assistance dogs only.

Kids & families

• Stroller-friendly: not available

Pushchairs cannot be taken into the cottage and should be left outside.

Getting there & parking

The cottage stands on a very busy main road in Great Barr, next to the Malt Shovel pub.

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available

No facilities on site. The Malt Shovel pub is next door.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.