Abstract

Primary Quaker source evidence of three clusters of Quakers, within Thirsk Monthly Meeting during the period 1650-75, is examined. There were groups in Kilburn, Wildon Grange, near Crayke, and Sutton-on-the-Forest. There is material that describes their sufferings for breaking the law by holding a meeting for worship. From this material some indication is found of their backgrounds, their famili es, and their contact with each other. Church and other records show that these Friends had a place in their local as well as in their Quaker communiti es. There was also contact with Friends travelling in the ministry. Friends such as Thomas Rowland, William Thurman and Mary To dd formed the backbone of the nascent Religious Society of Friends. They were pione ers ready to suffer for their principles and faith. They suffered, by distraint of money and goods and by imprisonment for their testimony to worship outside the established church of the day,

Keywords

Yorkshire Quarterly Meeting, Thirsk Monthly Meeting, Kilburn, Wildon Grange, Sutton-on-the-Forest, meeting for worship, dissenters, sufferings

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