History of the Quakers

The Religious Society of Friends, commonly called Quakers, started in the mid‑17th century in England. They were once called “tremblers” because of their religious fervor. Over time, the movement changed: not all modern Quakers identify strictly as Christian, but many still hold core values like peace, equality, and simplicity.

Beginnings

George Fox is often seen as the founder of Quakerism. He believed people could experience God directly, without needing priests or formal ceremonies. In 1652, Fox had a vision on Pendle Hill in Lancashire, saying that God had people to gather there. As the movement grew, Quakers faced strong opposition and persecution in England.

Early controversies and structure

In the 1660s and 1670s, internal disagreements arose. Some Quakers challenged the central authority and rules about how meetings should be held. One major event was the Nayler affair in 1656, when Quaker James Nayler re‑enacted Jesus’s entry to Jerusalem, which many viewed as extreme. In 1666, Quaker leaders issued “A Testimony of the Brethren” to set rules and strengthen central authority. Women early played a significant role—Quakers believed in spiritual equality of men and women.

Persecution and acceptance in England

Because Quakers refused to take oaths or follow some church or state rules, they were often jailed. Important laws like the Quaker Act (1662) and the Conventicle Act (1664) made it illegal to refuse oaths or hold religious meetings without permission. Under King James II, persecution largely eased. He issued a Declaration of Indulgence (1687‑88). In 1689, the Toleration Act gave legal protection for freedom of worship (though Quakers still faced prejudice).

Spread to the Netherlands

Quakers arrived in the Netherlands around 1655 with William Ames and William Caton. They saw the Netherlands as a possible refuge from persecution in England. Quaker meetings and conversions took place in parts of Europe from this base. Over time, the Quaker presence in the Netherlands declined, then later revived in the 20th century.

Persecution and growth in the New World

In 1656, Quakers Mary Fisher and Ann Austin began preaching in Massachusetts and were jailed, banished, and their books burned. Mary Dyer, a Quaker, was executed in 1660 in Boston for defying laws against Quaker worship. Some Quakers arrived in New Amsterdam (now New York) in 1657, but faced harsh treatment under Governor Stuyvesant. A petition known as the Flushing Remonstrance (1657) demanded freedom of conscience in New Netherland.

William Penn and Pennsylvania

William Penn, a Quaker, was granted land in 1681 and founded Pennsylvania as a “holy experiment.” Pennsylvania offered religious freedom and attracted many Quakers and others facing persecution. Quakers built institutions like schools, hospitals, and asylums in Pennsylvania, guided by their faith.

18th century

After George Fox’s death in 1691, Quakerism continued without its original leader. In Britain, Quakers became known for honesty in business and fair trade. Quaker businesses included ironworks (Darby family) and pharmaceutical ventures. In North America, Quakers moved westward over time, setting up meeting houses across colonies and frontier areas.

Social reform and abolitionism

Quakers started opposing slavery. In 1688, Quakers in Germantown, Pennsylvania, issued a petition against slavery. By mid‑1700s, Quakers generally agreed no one should own slaves, and many joined the Underground Railroad in the U.S. Quakers also founded the Retreat at York (1796) to treat mentally ill people with dignity.

Breakaways: Free Quakers

During the American Revolution, some Quakers supported war, against Quaker pacifist beliefs. Those were expelled and formed the Free Quakers in 1781 in Philadelphia. They dwindled after the war ended.

19th century

Friends (Quakers) continued to influence industry, social reform, education, and politics. Examples: Edward Pease helped build the Stockton & Darlington Railway, and Rowntree chocolate business in England treated workers better. Quakers entered science (Thomas Young, Maria Mitchell), literature, and public life. Joseph Pease became the first Quaker in the UK Parliament.

Theological divisions

In the 1800s, Quakers split over theology: Gurneyites (more evangelical) vs Wilburites (more traditional), and Hicksite splits earlier. In Britain, a controversy called the *Beaconite Controversy* occurred in 1835, when Isaac Crewdson left with followers.

20th century and later

By the 20th century, many Quakers had adopted a more liberal or socially active approach, focusing more on ethics, peace, and social justice than strict doctrine. During World War I, Quakers founded the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) to help with war relief and conscientious objectors. In 1958, the Friends World Committee for Consultation was created to bring together different branches of Quakerism internationally. Quakers also helped rescue Jewish refugees during WWII, and the Kindertransport operation for children escaping Nazi Europe.

Other websites

Quaker Heritage Press Reprints and on-line versions of classic Quaker works with links to works at other websites.
Quaker Information Center
A Quaker Page at the Street Corner Society Archived 2019-01-30 at the Wayback Machine
Article by Bill Samuel on the Beginnings of Quakerism in quakerinfo.com
Early Modern Quaker Texts Post-Reformation Digital Library