Quaker Meeting House
6 Church Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1NF
This brick building dates to 1802-3 and was originally known as St Mary's House. It was the home of William Mason (1768-1840), a solicitor and member of one of Colchester's most influential families. Between 1802 and 1813, William Mason served as Colchester's Town Clerk and later became an alderman. The Masons were related by marriage to the painter John Constable (1776-1837), who was a frequent visitor to their home when he was sketching in the local area. This building stayed in the Mason family until 1919 when it became a doctor's surgery. After several more changes of use, the house fell into serious disrepair in the 1960s until the Colchester Quakers bought it in 1971, preserving the frontage and rebuilding the inside including adding a hexagonal meeting room.
Quakers have been active in Colchester for more than three centuries. Some eighty local Friends were imprisoned for their faith during the religious persecution of the seventeenth century, the best known of whom was James Parnell, who died in Colchester Castle at the age of 19. Many others were ridiculed, beaten and fined, but they continued to live and worship in the Quaker way. A self-guided trail leaflet around local sites with Quaker connections is available.
Timings & Tours
- Saturday 14 September:
- 1000-1600
Location & directions
6 Church Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1NF
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
Shallow steps into building.
Additional information
Other buildings open nearby for Heritage Open Days on the same day are St John's Green Primary School, Roman Circus Centre, Colchester Castle, Colchester Town Hall, 7 Queen Street, Hollytrees Museum and Colchester High School.
