John Wesley's Journal:

[In 1743 and 1744 the Walsall mob was involved in the 'Wednesbury riots'.]

February 1764: 'I was desired to preach at Walsall. James Jones was alarmed at the motion, apprehending there wou.ld be much disturbance. However, I determined to make the trial... The house not being capable of holding all the people, about seven I began preaching abroad; and there was no opposer, no, not a trifler to be seen. All present were earnestly attentive. How is Walsall changed! How has God either tamed the wild beasts, or chained them up!'