Swarthmoor Hall
Swarthmoor Hall, a short distance from Ulverton, developed strong associations with Quakerism.
It was not the birthplace of the Quaker movement nor even the birthplace of the founder, George Fox. But it was a sanctuary from his and eventually, it became his home. travels.
Swarthmoor Hall was built in 1652 as a country home set in beautiful grounds on 130 acres of farmland.
It can be seen as an extremely interesting Elizabethan house, which has luckily managed to retain much of its character or be seen as the background against much of the early history of the Religious Society of Friends, who we usually refer to as Quakers.
Known as the cradle of Quakerism due to Judge Thomas and Margaret Fell, the latter was an important player in the founding of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) providing protection and hospitality for the early Quaker movement in the 17th century.
In 1632, Margaret Fell, aged 17, came to Swarthmoor Hall to marry Thomas Fell and lived here for 70 years.
Thomas Fell was an influential landowner who played a prominent role in the politics of the area.
His father built Swarthmoor Hall and Thomas lived here most of his life.
He was a trained barrister in London and served as a Justice of the Peace and a Member of Parliament for Lancaster.
Margaret Fell made her home at Swarthmoor Hall which served as the society’s first headquarters and remains in use today as a Quaker retreat house.
The hall still holds some of their possessions, such as a four-poster bed in which they slept. Today, it is left undisturbed, but complete with original 17th-century blankets and bedding.
Margaret Fell was born in 1614 and died in 1702. She was much more than just a meeting-house hostess. She was a religious and political activist. She bravely encouraged women to speak the truth to power and to preach.
She produced a pamphlet called ‘Womens Speaking Justified’ which is widely regarded as a key work in the history of women’s rights.
Fell’s boldness often landed her in trouble. She was arrested in 1664 and spent four years in jail for her beliefs; a common experience for Quakers in the first 30 years of the movement.
George Fox visited the Hall in 1652. In one corner of the attic is his travelling bag, his sea chest, which he used when he went to America.
Thomas Fell was away travelling as a judge, but Fox had an audience with Margaret Fell, who became interested in his new doctrines.
She arranged for him to preach in St. Mary’s Church in Ulverston and at the Hall.
One day in 1658, George Fox appeared in his ‘steeple house’ as he called all churches.
Fox challenged the philosophy of the resident parish priest, a staunch Presbyterian minister called Lampitt.
He continued to argue with him as he was being ejected violently from the church.
Once outside Fox was set upon again by more enraged parishioners and badly beaten.
This event is carefully recorded in Fox’s journal.
Even after this sickening incident in Ulverston, many people were convinced of the truth of his teachings.
For anyone interested in the birthplace of Quakerism, Swarthmoor Hall is still today a meeting house for Quakers.
The Hall is noted for its ornately carved oak panelling and a newel staircase which is almost unique in design, and fine carved fireplaces.
During the English Civil War, Roundhead soldiers are said to have slept in the attic, a room which today houses the wooden chest owned by George Fox.
The studded chest has George Fox’s initials and is dated 1675.
It is open to the public and, additionally, there are six historic rooms on view displaying a fine selection of 17th-century furniture.
Today, the Quaker movement, which continues to practice its values of sustainability, protecting the environment, and reducing waste, can be explored through the history of Swarthmoor Hall on the outskirts of Ulverston.
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