Stafford Quaker Meeting House and the people who met there
Stafford Quaker Meeting House, Foregate Street, Stafford, Staffordshire, ST16 2PX
Stafford Quaker Meeting House is a rare eighteenth century building still used for its original purpose. Built in 1730 to replace a previous meeting house on the site, this is probably the oldest nonconformist place of worship in Stafford.
Once occupying a semi-rural position on the outskirts of Stafford, the Meeting House is now encompassed by the town. Set back from a busy road the simple style of the brick building reflects Quaker testimony to simplicity with plain windows and minimal embellishment. The interior of the wood panelled Meeting Room has not been significantly altered. The Elder's Bench and Women's Gallery remain but are no longer used as the form of Quaker worship has evolved over the past three hundred years in this quietly unpretentious place of worship.
Two extensions to the rear of the building provide extra space and facilities for the benefit of the Meeting as well as groups in the local community but have not detracted from the original appearance of the front of the building.
A small exhibition considers the lives of Stafford Quakers from the seventeenth century to the present day.
A garden to the rear, an oasis of nature in an urban environment, provides a tranquil place for reflection and, weather permitting, tea and cake.
Timings
- Saturday 19 September:
- 1100-1600
Location & directions
Stafford Quaker Meeting House, Foregate Street, Stafford, Staffordshire, ST16 2PX
- Directions:
- Meeting House on right heading north on Foregate Street(A34) from town. Set back from road between block of flats and Jehovah's Witness's Kingdom Hall.
- Contact on day:
- Katie
- Telephone number:
- +447519818685
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
Disabled parking very limited. Please ring ahead if you need to park at Meeting House. You must approach from the north along A34 to access Meeting House car park. Entrance to car park very narrow.
Additional information
No parking on road. Long stay public car park with charging point on Gaol Road. Short stay Madford Retail Park off Pans Road. Both a short walk from Meeting House. Walkable from town centre or the bus stops in Gaol Square. Buses 432, 8, 8A and 101 go along Foregate Street, ask for Madford Retail Park bus stop.
