Quaker Meeting House
The Mint, Godalming, Surrey, GU7 1HB
The Society of Friends, or Quakers as they are known, has a long history in the Godalming area. 2014 was the tercentenary of the Meeting Room, built from the ruins of a cottage called Goreways in 1714. The other building, originally a stable, is believed to date from the 1600s. Less than two miles away, in Binscombe, is a Quaker Burial Ground used between 1659 and 1790 and Fox's Barn, so called because the Society's founder, George Fox, reputedly preached there in 1655.
Local Quaker Meetings such as Godalming are part of a network of Area Meetings, Regional Meetings and - at the national level - Britain Yearly Meeting. But it doesn't stop there - Quaker groups and communities exist all over the world. Inspired by our faith and a commitment to working for equality and peace, we forge connections with other groups and organisations who share our vision of a more just and peaceful world.
George Fox (1624-1691) was amazing at networking. From the age of 24, he travelled extensively in Britain, Ireland (1669) and America (1671-3), preaching and protesting against hypocrisy and social injustice. He was frequently imprisoned, but was respected by many influential people. In 1665, King Charles II wrote an order for his release from Scarborough Castle where he had been incarcerated. His close associate, the Quaker William Penn, founded Pennsylvania in 1681.
The Mint, Godalming, Surrey, GU7 1HB
Steps from road to entrance and steps internally.