Fawcett, Thomas
1771-1831

Draper and local preacher, largely responsible for the establishment of Wesleyan Methodism in Sleaford, Lincolnshire. Born in Sleaford, his apprenticeship included time working for John Broadhurst, the Manchester Band Room Methodist. While in Manchester, Fawcett was converted through the preaching of Joseph Benson. He began Methodist meetings in Sleaford in 1795 and was responsible for hiring a former Dissenting meeting-house (1799) and then for the construction of the first Wesleyan chapel (1802) and its subsequent enlargement (1823). As well as his activities as a Wesleyan local preacher and class leader, Fawcett was also a successful businessman, as a draper and a timber and coal merchant.

In 1825 Thomas Fawcett married Elizabeth, widow of the Rev. Thomas Blanshard. He died on 13 August 1831.

Sources
  • Cornelius Greenwood, Short Account of the Late Mr Thomas Fawcett (Sleaford, 1839).

Entry written by: DHR
Category: Person
Comment on this entry