George Fox

In 1624 George Fox, the founder of the Religious Society of Friends, was born in Fenny Drayton in Leicestershire. His father, who was known as 'Righteous Christer', was a weaver and church warden. His mother, Mary Lago, was well educated and her family came from a long list of martyrs. George was trained in shepherding and shoemaking. His parents encouraged him to understand his religious beliefs for himself and to question what others believed. In his observations of others, he saw hypocrisy within the established church. At the age of nineteen, he left home and began visiting and questioning those who were considered to be religious people but he found few answers to his spiritual searching. He did however find many people, known as "Seekers", who were also questioning the teachings of the state church and who were looking for answers. During a period of despair and depression, George Fox records in his journal that he heard a voice which said "There is one, even Christ Jesus, that can speak to thy condition and when I heard it my heart did leap for joy". As a result, he became an itinerant preacher, sharing this discovery with others.

In May 1652, Fox fell moved to climb Pendle Hill. It was at the top as he looked across the countryside that he had a vision of "a great people to be gathered". He travelled on to Brigflatts where he made contact with members of the Westmoreland Seekers. One Sunday, he was taken to Firbank Fell where these Seekers were holding a large Meeting in the Chapel. After it had finished. Fox preached for over 3 hours to around 1000 people, who were gathered outside, and many were convinced by his message. From that day onwards, Quakerism began to increase in numbers and become a unified group. It was shortly alter this that Fox travelled to the home of Judge and Margaret Fell who became important supporters.

Fox appears to have been a powerful speaker and debater who had a profound influence on all those he came in contact with. He was imprisoned many times and yet remained steadfast to his beliefs. His journal, in which his spiritual experiences are recorded, remains an influential book among Friends today.

He died on 31/01 /1691 and is buried in Bunhill Field outside London.

From "The Friendly Guide to Quakerism"