1 Introducing the course

The landscape of Wales holds clues to its past. In the 18th and 19th centuries, tiny chapels like this played a crucial part in the unfolding of the country's national identity.

Calvinistic Methodism grew to become the largest religious denomination in Wales, confident enough to challenge the mighty Church of England. For the first time, Wales had a Christian church that was specifically Welsh in origin.

In this free online course, you'll meet the men and women who paved the way for its success- homegrown local people, who worked tirelessly to teach the population to read and write in their own language. From humble origins, they became powerful preachers. They left the safety of their churches to spread their message on the street.

Now derelict, this building in North Wales was once one of the largest Calvinistic Methodist chapels of its day. It welcomed its first congregations at the time Wales's first Methodist ministers were ordained.

In this course, you will learn how to unlock the secrets of a building of your choice. As you study, you'll consider important questions about the workings of power and religion. Where did this new form of religion come from? Why did it become so popular? How was it central to the experience of being Welsh?

The course will introduce you to some fantastic online resources, which could help you find out more about the history of Wales. Open up your future in the study of the past.