In the very early days Quakers met for worship in their own homes, but with religious tolerance in 1689 Meeting Houses were established. While a few were purpose built many, like Brant Broughton, were converted from buildings already in existence. Brant Broughton Meeting House was originally a thatched barn with a one-up, one-down cottager attached.
In 1701 local Quaker, Thomas Robinson, gave the building to the meeting to be used as a Meeting House.
The Lobby is a rare survival of a C17th one-up, one-down cottage. It still retains its C17th window, staircase and staircase door with wooden lock. The latches and coat-hooks are original.
Benches in the meeting room are original and probably date back to the meetings beginning. They still have woven rush seating on the seats beneath the modern cushions.
Mounting Block and Stables was installed in 1776 for women who rode pillion behind their husbands. Additional stables were also built at the same time. These have now been converted into our kitchen, toilets and very attractive room known as the ‘barn’, which is used for social events and business meetings.
If you would like to find out more about the Meeting House please refer to the booklet ‘Brant Broughton Quaker Meeting House’ by John Gwatkin.
If you would like a guided tour of this historic Meeting House contact Wendy Gwatkin: on +44 (0)1400 273541 or send her a message.
Internet: http://brant-broughton-quakers.org.uk/
Photo: Brant Broughton Quakers