EPISODE · Feb 25, 2026 · 20 MIN
009 - Drinking and Smoking
from Kings Son, Or, a Memoir of Billy Bray · host Frederick William Bourne
Immerse yourself in the extraordinary journey of Billy Bray, a unique Cornish preacher who broke the mold of his era. Born in 1794 in the picturesque village of Twelveheads, Cornwall, Billys early life was marked by hardship as a miner battling alcoholism and a wild reputation. A pivotal mining accident in 1823 ignited a transformative change, leading him to discover faith through John Bunyans writings. Embracing his newfound beliefs, he joined the Bible Christians, energizing crowds with his dynamic sermons filled with spontaneous song and dance. Driven by his love for his community, Billy played a crucial role in raising funds for three Methodist chapels. After his death in 1868, he was interred at Saint Michael and All Angels in Baldhu, where a granite obelisk now commemorates his legacy. This captivating biography by F. W. Bourne draws heavily from Billy Brays own words and is beautifully narrated amid the very landscapes and chapels that shaped his remarkable life.
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009 - Drinking and Smoking
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