Family Fortunes

Petra Hornsby visits the charming town of Saffron Walden and discovers how one man’s impact on the town can still be seen through its architecture, arts and open spaces more than 200 years later

- Saffron Walden

The Quaker movement began in England in the mid-17th century, in Darlington, but also established itself relatively quickly in the Americas and Africa. Also known as the Religious Society of Friends, the Quakers attracted religious-minded people who shunned churches and formal worship, preferring to sit in contemplation and wait for God’s instruction.

They were given the nickname Quakers as they were thought to ‘tremble in the way of the Lord’. They were often persecuted but were pivotal in major humanitarian events such as the abolition of slavery and the pursuit of securing equal rights for women. To this day, Quakers see themselves as standing for peace and most towns and cities will have a Quaker Meeting House where all are welcome (whatever religion) to sit together silently in thought and prayer.

The Quakers were a highly productive and business-minded organization right from the beginning, moving from modest businesses in art and crafts and agriculture, into bigger investments and projects (especially banking) following the Industrial Revolution which began in the 18th century.

The Cadbury family founded Bourneville, near Birmingham, as a place to build and expand their chocolate factory but also as a quiet place where residents could practice temperance and enjoy a good standard of living.

Another key investment for the Quakers was the rapidly expanding railway network and one businessman and Quaker from Essex, Francis Gibson, became director of the Stockton and Darlington Railway following his marriage to Elizabeth Pease, whose father, Edward, was regarded as the ‘Father of the Railways’.