The following articles about local Quaker history have been written by various present-day authors, mainly members Staffordshire Monthly Meeting. They not only cover the historical facts of the ups and downs of the Quaker movement in Staffordshire but also some fascinating stories of the lives of individuals. To read an article just click on its title.
A talk given by Bill Walley to Staffordshire’s SACRE (Standing Advisory Committee on Religious Education) at its meeting on 7th July2005. In cover the history of Quakerism in Staffordshire from its origins in the Staffordshire Moorlands through to the present-day.
A series of three articles written by Linda Skellam, a member of Leek Meeting, for publication in the local new papers prior to the Meeting’s Open Day in July 2005. The articles the ups and downs of Leek Meeting and many fascination stories of Quaker life in and around Leek through the centuries. The Quaker Testimonies are also outlined and illustrated through local stories.
Samual Johnson's biographer, Boswell, visited him in Lichfield in 1776, and in his book 'Life of Johnson' he observed that “I have always loved the simplicity of manners of Quakers; and I observed that many a man was a Quaker without knowing it". This article commences with some history of Lichfield and explores the reasons why so many people who find Quakerism discover that for many years they have, to quote Boswell, been “a Quaker without really knowing it”.
Quakers in Lichfield - Building Bridges
In March 1996, Lichfield Friends were invited to participated in a Lenten study organised by Churches together on the theme 'Building Bridges'. As part of this study Lichfield Friend, Anthony Wilson, gave a talk from the pulpit of Lichfield Cathedral based around Gorge Fox's notorious visit to Lichfield when he stood barefoot in the Market Place and denounced the "bloody City of Lichfield". Anthony outlines the circumstances surrounding Fox's action and explains much of present day Quaker faith and practice through selected passages of Fox's ministry around that time.
This article by Linda Skellam of Leek Quaker Meeting explains how the Quaker principles of honesty and integrity in all aspects of daily life led to the development of highly successful and socially responsible businesses like Cadbury's, Fry's, Rowntrees, Barclays, Lloyd's and Friends Provident. Although these are no longer under Quaker control, most have not been associated with the kinds of business misconduct that have contributed to the current financial crisis.
In this article Linda Skellam traces the history of Quaker involvement in issues of punishment. She shows how Quakers gained a clear insight into such issues as a result of the the severe punishments that they suffered in the 17th century merely for being Quakers. She follows this with an outline of the work of Elizabeth Fry and concludes with a section on the present day work of Quaker prison ministers and the developing area of "Circles of Support and Accountability" for ex-offenders.
Martha & Mary: A True Story of 17th Century Quakers in Staffordshire
This true story of “Martha and Mary” was written 1834 by Quaker authoress Mary Howitt of Uttoxeter. It tells the touching story of a 17th century Quaker family, the Pixleys, from Uttoxeter who, following a naive action of their daughter Martha, reluctantly adopted an abandoned baby. Mary was a beautiful but wayward child who never adopted the Quaker faith. Some eighteen years later, in 1685, Walter Pixley, his wife and daughter Martha, together with seventeen other Quakers were imprisoned in Stafford, simply for attending a Quaker meeting. They suffered severe hardship but a courageous act by their wayward daughter Mary, that involved the king of England himself eventually secured their released. Mary returned home to great acclaim and eventually married into a wealthy English family.
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Copies of this 20 page booklet can be purchased for £1.50 from:
Both branches of Waterstones in Stafford
The High House in Stafford
Wikijum in Stone
The Heritage Centre in Uttoxeter
The News Shop in Uttoxeter
Post & Times Office in Uttoxeter
Waterstones in Hanley
Ford Green Hall in Smallthorne
Waterstones in Burton
Redshaws Bookshop in Lichfield
The Quaker Bookshop in London (See Links)
If you are unable to acquire a copy from these sources contact Bill Walley
by e-mail or phone (Tel: 01785 253867)
Quakers in World History
Quakers and Slavery - Keeping It Under Their Hats
This article by Stephen Tomkins (author of William Wilberforce, a Biography) was published on the BBC News website on 22 March 2007. It tells of the key role that Quakers played in initiating and promoting the anti-slavery movement.
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