Richard Colston of Rooksbridge
An early Methodist Non conformist.

1805 Protestant Dissenters receive certificate to worship as Methodists in Rooksbridge!

In 1805 Rooksbridge resident and Methodist Dissenter Richard Colston and other Non-conformist signatories, applied to the Bishop of Bath and Wells that his home be registered as a place of worship for local Methodists.

His request was granted on 6th February 1805

Below is a transcript from the original document at Somerset Records Office.

To see a copy of the original letter click here

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To the Right Rev'd Father in God, the Lord Bishop of Bath and Wells. Or whomsoever it concerns.

We, whose names are underwritten, by leave to aquaint your lordship, that a house, in the Occupation of, Richard Colston, Stockingmaker, situate at Rooksbridge in the Parish of East Brent. In the county of Somerset, is designed to be used for the Religious Worship of Almighty God, by a Society of Protestant Dissenters, commonly called Methodists.

And request that the same may be registered in your Registry. And a Certificate of the same granted accordingly, in pursuant to the Act in that Case made and provided.

Rooksbridge Jan'y 25th 1805.

Richard Colston

Thomas Young

John Hatch

Silas Pimm Sen'r

John Hawkins Jun'r

John Hawkins Sen'r

James Baker Sen'r

James Sperrring

Edward Pople

George Lewis

John Baker

Silas Pimm Jun'r

John Gillard

William Hawkins

John Jutsum

William White

Jacob Boon

Certificate granted

hereon 6th Feb 1805

(Richard Colston often acted as a witness at Methodist marriages conducted at St Marys).

Until 1837 all marriages except for Jews and Quakers had to take place in C of E Churches.  Even after 1837 when marriages could take place in non-conformist premises there had to be a Registrar present. (Pat Hase WSMFHS)