The Rev. John Wesley, the Founder of Methodism, in the course of his unwearied and self-disinterested travels through these kingdoms, his sole object being to promote the spiritual and temporal interests of his fellow men, has recorded some of his visits here. On January 19th, 1778, he writes,

"I went over to Tunbridge Wells and preached in the large dissenting Meeting to a numerous congregation, and deep attention sat on every face."
" Monday, October 16th, 1780, I went to Tunbridge Wells and preached to a serious congregation on Rev. 20. 12."
" Monday, October 21st, 1782, I preached at Tunbridge Wells."
"Monday, 6th December, 1784, I went to Tunbridge Wells, but not without difficulty; part of the road being made scarcely passable through the abundance of rain. I preached in the large Presbyterian Meeting House, but the violent rain thinned the congregation."

Subsequently, Dr. Coke and other ministers in connexion with the Rev. J. Wesley, occasionally visited the place, and a society was ultimately formed in 1809, which led to the erection of the present Chapel. It was built by subscription, and opened for public worship, June 24th, 1812, by the Revds. Joseph Benson and Richard Reece.

The Wesleyan Methodists were allowed to hold their meetings for public worship here [Mount Sion Chapel] for some time, till they erected a Wesleyan chapel for themselves in Vale Royal, in the year 1812.