There have been Quakers in Long Sutton almost as long as the movement has existed! It is generally reckoned that Quakers were founded by George Fox in 1652. The English Civil War had torn the country apart, and many new political or religious groups emerged, including one that developed into what is now known as the Quakers – whose proper name is The Religious Society of Friends.
It is believed that George Fox himself visited the area, preaching in an orchard at Knole, and by 1662 there was a regular Meeting of Quakers there. But by 1670 the Meeting was being held in Long Sutton, probably in the building opposite the existing Meeting House. Now fashioned into two houses, the building was still in Quaker ownership in 2025.
The early years were very troubled. Quakers were seen as disruptive troublemakers by the established Church and the political establishment. Refusing to abide by legal religious requirements, Quakers were easy targets for malicious accusations and even violence.
They refused to pay their church tithes, or attend the Anglican church, as was then required by law. Quakers did not believe that ‘the Church’ had any more privileged communication with God than you or I. They sought the will of God from the Bible and from within themselves, believing that God could speak directly with each one of us.
If they were arrested and sent for trial, they refused to take their hats off (as a sign of deference to the Judges), believing in the equality of all people There was a period of vigorous persecution, leading to many members of the Long Sutton Meeting being imprisoned in the County Jail at Ilchester.
Nonetheless the Meeting steadily attracted support. In 1692, when Long Sutton village passed from the ownership of The Earl of Northampton to the Earl of Devonshire, it is estimated that nearly 20% of Long Sutton residents were included in the Quaker membership.
Eventually, in 1717, the current Quaker (or Friends) Meeting House, on the corner of the A372 and Shute Lane, was built. Quaker Meetings have been held there every Sunday since then, with only brief pauses in 1793 and 1798.
We celebrated the 300th anniversary in 2017.
These days our Meetings for Worship start at 10.30 on Sunday mornings. They last for an hour of stillness and reflection, with occasional spoken Ministry offered by those who feel so moved.
You are invited to visit us on any Sunday. Come as you are to meet us and visit the Meeting House. If you are seeking spiritual meaning to life, you are welcome.