Amazing Grace - Jon Bickley with Tom Jones - John Newton's life in Olney

Invisible Folk Club Podcasts

In this episode Jon talks to Tom Jones, historian in the town of Olney and trustee of the Cowper and Newton Museum. We talk about John Newton's life; what brought him to Olney, his life as a preacher and hymn writer, his relationship with Cowper and his journey from slave trader to abolitionist. This episode was recorded in the courtyard at the Cowper and Newton Museum as part of a concert given by The Invisible Folk Club Band and includes questions from the audience. http://www.mkheritage.org.uk/tag/tom-jones/

From July 2022 to July 2023 a small English town called Olney will be at the centre of commemorations marking the 250th anniversary of the writing of 'Amazing Grace' possibly the world's most beloved hymn. The famous words were written by Revd John Newton in the weeks leading up to his New Year's Day service at St Peter & St Paul Church on 1st January 1773. The hymn, in various musical styles, has gone on to inspire countless people and has even become known in America as the nations's 'spiritual anthem.' https://cowperandnewtonmuseum.org.uk/amazing-grace-250-commemorations/