Quakers and the London Parish 1670–1720

Abstract

Despite the wealth of local studies on the history of Quakerism during the seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries, little attention has been paid to the largest single Quaker community of the period, namely that of the City and suburbs of London. This article seeks to redress this situation, and draws wider conclusions concerning the reaction of Londoners to the presence of religious diversity in the capital. The first section considers the strains placed upon parochial life by the enforcement of legislation against religious nonconformists prior to the toleration of 1689. The second section of the article goes on to explore the role played by Quakers in parish government in City parishes with a significant Quaker population. The analysis identifies the extent to which Quakers were tolerated within their local communities, and played an active role in parish life. The article concludes that whilst tensions existed between Quakers and their neighbours during the period covered, ultimately they were respected and valued members of London communities.