John Bennet (preacher)

John Bennet (1714–1759) was an early Methodist preacher, regarded as being "one of Wesley’s most responsible helpers in Yorkshire, Lancashire and Derbyshire".

Born at Whitehaugh, near Chapel-en-le-Frith, Derbyshire, he was the youngest son of William Bennet, a yeoman, and Ann his wife, who were members of the local Dissenting Chapel of Dr James Clegg. Having received a good education at the school at Chapel-en-le-Frith and at the hands of private tutors, at the age of about seventeen Bennet attended Findern Academy, near Derby, to study for the Ministry. However, for reasons unknown, Bennet later commenced work as a Justice’s Clerk, and later as an independent packman transporting goods across the moors from Sheffield to Macclesfield.

While working as a packman Bennet met the itinerant preacher, David Taylor, a former butler of Selina Hastings, Countess of Huntingdon, and became his travelling companion. In January 1741 Bennet had an evangelical conversion experience at Hayfield, Derbyshire. In the spring of the following year he met Benjamin Ingham the Moravian, and became his associate. In the Summer of 1742 Bennet first met John Wesley and, impressed by his preaching, became connected with the Methodist movement. As a Methodist preacher Bennet soon established a circuit of religious societies scattered throughout the north of England, later known as "John Bennet’s Round". Usually on horseback, Bennet would follow a route from his home at Chinley which took him throughout the northern counties.

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