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Local Quaker History
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.
Martha & Mary: A True Story of 17th Century Quakers in Staffordshire
This abridged version of the booklet “Martha and Mary: A True Narrative” was written by Tracy Adshead in September 1981 and subsequently published in the Evening Sentinel. It tells the touching story of a Quaker family living in Uttoxeter and attending Meeting in Stafford. In 1685, Walter Pixley, his wife and daughter Martha, were imprisoned in Stafford. They suffered severe hardship but were eventually released after their adopted non-Quaker daughter, Mary, rode to London to see William Penn. He got her an audience with King James II, who subsequently ordered their release. The Pixley’s later sailed to Pennsylvania with William Penn.
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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