READER John Tomlinson knew exactly what last week’s curiosity was - a plaque marking the spot at the bottom of Chapel Hill, Skipton where Methodist preacher, John Wesley, preached.

Methodism was introduced to Skipton in 1763, and Wesley was said to have visited the town on June 26, 1764. He visited again in 1774 and 1782, peaching in Skipton, Grassington and in Pateley Bridge. In those days, Wesleyans at Skipton met for worship in each other’s homes in Mr Garforth’s Mill, and in a building in Coach Street. Later, a room at the Devonshire Arms Hotel, which was to become the Brick Hall Hotel, was used.

In 1791, a chapel was opened, said at the expense of Mr Garforth, in Chapel Hill. It was described as unimposing, but suitable for requirements, and in 1811, it was enlarged, if not totally rebuilt

Wesley is said to have applied for the job as headmaster of Ermysted’s Grammar School, but was unsuccessful.

We are grateful to The Folly of Museum of North Craven Life in Settle for providing us with a batch of fascinating curiosities, which we will be featuring over the next few weeks.

The museum, has uncovered some real gems during recent work, and is asking if any one can shine light on them. The museum says: “One of the benefits of moving our museum collections - now numbering around 16,000 items - into new accommodation after 36 years in the same place, is that we are going through every single object, photograph and document in our possession and carefully checking them against our records. Not surprisingly after this length of time, we’re coming across a few items with no certain provenance. Such objects are known in the trade as ‘orphans’ and we thought it would be fun to share them with Craven Herald readers and maybe gather some more information along the way!'" Suggestions should be sent by 8am on Monday to news@cravenherald.co.uk