Shrewsbury Friends Meeting, Historical Perspectives

Note: "Quaker" is a nickname for "The Religious Society of Friends". Quakers refer to each other as Friends. (John 15:15)

The Quaker movement had its beginnings in 1652 when George Fox (1624 - 1691) encountered a vision on Pendle Hill (Lancashire, England) of a "a great people to be gathered". Its appeal arose from widespread discontent with the religious climate in mid 17th century England where the state, under both Charles I and Cromwell's Commonwealth/Protectorate, attempted to control religious thinking. Fox was one of many "seekers" who risked exploring religious thought. Many, including Fox, suffered religious persecution.