Hemel Hempstead Friends (Quaker) Meeting House & Burial Ground (built 1718)

Quakers in Hemel can trace their local history to the late 17th century when they worshipped and were buried at Wood End, on the outskirts of Hemel Hempstead. The Act of Toleration of 1689 granted freedom of worship to Protestant nonconformists and allowed these groups to have their own licensed meeting houses and worship publicly. In 1718, local Quakers purchased land behind The Bell Inn, in the High Street and built their Meeting House and Burial Ground.

Quakers played a prominent role in the town's life during the Victorian era. The Cranstone family had an iron foundry business. Their lasting memorials are the White Bridge in Gadebridge Park and the drinking fountain in Boxmoor. The gates of the Old Town Hall were designed by a member of the family. The first Fire Service in Hemel Hempstead was privately funded by the family. Lefevre Cranstone is known abroad as an important artist, particularly in the USA, but never achieved recognition in Britain. Members of the prominent Cranstone family are interred in the burial ground and are integral to Quaker and Hemel’s history.

Timings & Tours

Thursday 18 September:

1300-1600

Saturday 20 September:

1200-1500

Location & directions

1 The Alleys, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 5ZB

Directions:

Park in the Old Town High Street car park, HP1 3AQ (charges apply). Public transport to the High Street. From the (Old Town) High Street, walk up St Mary’s Road, which starts as a covered alleyway on the immediate left of the Bell Inn, High Street. The Friends Meeting House is situated behind The Bell Inn, in The Alleys, which runs between St Marys Road and George Street.

Contact on day:

Alan Olive

Telephone number:

+447879435485

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking preferred

Booking conditions:

Please pre-book via Eventbrite. Pre-booking is preferred as it gives us an idea of how many people to expect and ensures your place is booked. Pre-bookings will take priority. Please let us know if you book a place and subsequently find you cannot attend. This will enable us to reallocate your place. Thank you.

Booking contact name:

Alan Olive

Booking email:

[email protected]

Booking website:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/heritage-open-days-hemel-hempstead-friends-meeting-house-burial-ground-tickets-1488656594949?aff=oddtdtcreator

Booking opens:

18 Aug 2025 12:00 AM

Booking closes:

17 Sep 2025 12:00 AM

Additional information

Enjoy your visit!

Max no of people per tour:

20

Est. tour duration:

1 hour(s) 30 minute(s)

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