James Thorne(1795 — 1872)

Morning

Thorne rose early, in the manner of Devon farmers, beginning the day with Bible reading and family prayer. Mornings might be devoted to work on the farm or to preparing sermons.

Afternoon

In the afternoon, he would often ride out on horseback to visit the Methodist “classes” of neighbouring villages, organise the circuits and support the local preachers. A great deal of his time went to correspondence and to administering the movement.

Evening

Evening was the hour for prayer meetings and preaching, sometimes outdoors before labourers and miners. The gatherings stretched late into the night with the singing of hymns and religious exhortations.

Food

His diet was the simple fare of the Devon countryside: bread, butter, cheese, potatoes, vegetables from the garden and sometimes a little meat or fish. The Methodists preached temperance and were wary of excessive drinking.

Clothing

He wore the dark, sober dress of the Nonconformist preachers: a black frock coat, white shirt and hat, reflecting the austerity and seriousness expected of a man of God.

Housing

He lived on a farm in northern Devon, a stone building that was functional rather than comfortable, combining family home and farming work. The furnishings were modest, in keeping with the frugal life the movement championed.