Stafford Quaker Meeting House
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 by the necessary addition of modern lighting and heating; original door furniture has been retained. 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 garden to the rear, an oasis of nature in an urban environment, provided a tranquil place for reflection and, weather permitting, tea and cake.
Stafford Quaker Meeting House, Foregate Street, Stafford, Staffordshire, ST16 2PX
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.
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.