A brief history of Bradford on Avon Quaker Meeting
The Quaker movement emanated from social, political and religious upheaval in the mid seventeenth century. Early Quakers met in barns, in homes and in the open air. They were called 'Quakers', because when moved to speak by the Spirit they often literally quaked. They believed that everyone could have direct access to the Divine Spirit of God and could interpret and live by the teachings of Jesus without special priests or buildings. They suffered greatly for their beliefs at this time.
In Wiltshire and neighbouring Somerset there were many Quaker groups well before the 1800s. It is known that Bradford Friends worshipped in a house to the north of Bradford on the Bath Road, and from 1718 in a big Meeting House in what is now St. Margaret’s Hall car park.
The number of local Quakers dwindled in the early 1800s, and the few remaining Bradford Quakers transferred to the Meeting in Melksham. An attempt to revive regular Quaker Meetings in the Meeting House near St Margaret's Street in 1894 remained unsuccessful.
The number of local Quakers dwindled in the early 1800s, and the few remaining Bradford Quakers transferred to the Meeting in Melksham. An attempt to revive regular Quaker Meetings in the Meeting House near St Margaret's Street in 1894 remained unsuccessful.
Below: Local Quakers, joined by Quakers from the wider area, in front of the chip shop in Trowbridge they rented for their meetings at the time (picture taken c.1954)
Nevertheless, there continued to be Quakers in Bradford. In the 1950s and '60s they met in rented venues in Trowbridge. Eventually, in 1970, it became clear that a move back to Bradford could be sustained. The long search for a building which could be used as a Meeting House and as local outreach began. This proved quite a challenge as many quiet places were not easily accessible by foot or transport. However, an old rectory was located in Whiteheads Lane with a large walled garden. Helped by the then Monthly Meeting (a grouping of local Meetings not unlike a Church of England diocese), the building was purchased. The first Meeting for Worship was held among copious weeds in the garden.
The surveyor’s report hinted at some infestation of rot and worm, but not of the actual challenging extent. We set to on a massive repair, clearing and cleaning of house and garden. Second hand chairs, a table and kitchen equipment were found. The garden wall was opened up. We had a new home!
The new location was very fitting, as Whiteheads Lane is named after Manasseh Whitehead, a local 17th century Quaker.
Over the years much has been developed and altered; both downstairs and upstairs. We have had a succession of resident Friends and Wardens all of whom have brought their talents and skills to our support and service. Our children and young people’s Meetings have flourished over the years. We have served the town in a variety of ways. We have supported new or revived Meetings in Chippenham, Devizes, Frome and Trowbridge and continue to be a vital part, with Bath Friends, of our Area (formerly called Monthly) Meeting.
Our faith and determination have been richly rewarded; the Meeting flourishes.
The surveyor’s report hinted at some infestation of rot and worm, but not of the actual challenging extent. We set to on a massive repair, clearing and cleaning of house and garden. Second hand chairs, a table and kitchen equipment were found. The garden wall was opened up. We had a new home!
The new location was very fitting, as Whiteheads Lane is named after Manasseh Whitehead, a local 17th century Quaker.
Over the years much has been developed and altered; both downstairs and upstairs. We have had a succession of resident Friends and Wardens all of whom have brought their talents and skills to our support and service. Our children and young people’s Meetings have flourished over the years. We have served the town in a variety of ways. We have supported new or revived Meetings in Chippenham, Devizes, Frome and Trowbridge and continue to be a vital part, with Bath Friends, of our Area (formerly called Monthly) Meeting.
Our faith and determination have been richly rewarded; the Meeting flourishes.
Peace Garden
In 2005, the area around the Meeting House car park and along the neighbouring building (known as Coppice Hill Mill) was transformed into a Peace Garden, with a patio area at the far end, a 'Peace Pole' (with the sentence 'May Peace Prevail on Earth' written in English, French, German, and Japanese) and numerous perennials flowering at different times of the year. The Peace Garden is home to bees, butterflies, moths, slow-worms and toads. It is open to the general public for peaceful contemplation.
In 2017 the Peace Pole's writings were refreshed with the help of new language plates, and 'May Peace Prevail on Earth' can now be read in English, French, Arabic and Hebrew. On 21 May 2017 the Peace Garden was rededicated in a brief ceremony with visitors including the town's deputy mayor and representatives of Trowbridge Mosque, the Wiltshire Islamic Cultural Centre, the Bristol Progressive Synagogue, and the Bradford on Avon French Twinning Association.
Over the years, we frequently joined in with Bradford on Avon Secret Gardens by making our Peace Garden one of a dozen or more local gardens on display in support of local community projects, welcoming up to 400 visitors per occasion.