Maps

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1647-52 - beginnings
Preston-Patrick district, the movement grows
Quakerism in England and Wales at the beginning of 1654
England and Wales - large map
English Counties and Principal Towns Visited by George Fox
Settlements in America Visited by George Fox

There are a handful of maps in this site relating to the early Quaker movement. This page gives an overview.

England and Wales

First stirrings

The first stirrings of what was to become the Quaker movement were in 1647-50 in the East Midlands of England. Many of the earliest groups withered during a period of repression in 1650-51, but a handful remained, led by committed individuals, most notably George Fox and Elizabeth Hooten.

In late 1651, after his release from a year in prison, George Fox sought out other like-minded individuals. In southern Yorkshire, new meetings were set up which now persisted, and from there Fox and others began to spread their movement into the north of England.

Map showing Pendle Hill, in red, and Preston Patrick District north and west from there.

Preston Patrick District -
looking north from Pendle Hill

Start-up

The start-up of Quakerism as a mass movement is generally dated to 1652, when George Fox and Richard Farnsworth travelled together into the north-western part of England.

"As we travelled we came near a very great hill, called Pendle Hill, and I was moved of the Lord to go up to the top of it; which I did with difficulty, it was so very steep and high. When I was come to the top, I saw the sea bordering upon Lancashire. From the top of this hill the Lord let me see in what places he had a great people to be gathered." (George Fox, Journal)

Preston-Patrick District -
in 1652, areas of Quaker activity

From Pendle Hill, Fox travelled north to Sedbergh, and from there up into the hills to find groups that might already be interested. This was a relative back-water in England, where clergy of the official Church of England had been stretched thin even in better times. In the wake of the English Civil Wars, the established religion had been further disrupted.

England, with red spots in northern areas

Quakerism in England and Wales
at the beginning of 1654

In the north of England

In this fertile ground, Fox and the others found hundreds and thousands to join with them, and many dozens to travel

By 1654, the movement had spread throughout northern England. Most of these dots are still within a 50-mile radius, representing places where Quakers were active and were involving others locally. Note that all of these dots are to the north from the town of Fox's upbringing.

In 1654-56, "the Valient Sixty" moved down into the south of England, preaching and spreading the word.

English Counties and Principal Towns
Map of the English Counties and the Principal Towns Visited by George Fox