Description:Methodist has been quite strong in Staffordshire from the late 1700s, as has been the case in many other industrial parts of the country. By the early 1800s the movement had split into several distinct sects. One of these wings, primitive Methodism is said by some sources to have originated on Mow Cop. Hugh Bourne, a carpenter and William Clowes, two Methodists, organised open-air meetings during which there were strong displays of religious zeal. Unfortunately for the men the Methodist Conference condemned their actions, expelling them from the movement in 1807. Together with their followers, they carried on worshipping in their preferred manner and in 1811 adopted the name Primitive Methodists. Over time this 'new' Methodist movement spread throughout the country, gathering many disciples along the way.