Non-conformists in kingswood
Kingswood is renowned for its non-conformist history, Eighteenth century open air preachers came here to tame the wild population of Kingswood. To be fair they were exploited by all and sundry and had plenty to complain about. John Wesley, George Whitfield and John Cennick came to preach to and educate the people of Kingswood. In the 19th century, rich boot manufacturers financed the building of small chapels, these were not gifts but loans to encourage the principle of self sufficiency and Godliness'.