Wandsworth Quaker Meeting House

London’s Oldest Quaker Meeting House

Along the busy Wandsworth High Street it’s easy to miss this small brick building.

Wandsworth Quaker Meeting House

Even if you do take a moment to appreciate the ‘Society of Friends’ sign, you might not realise quite how historic a building it is.

Wandsworth Quaker Meeting House

Built in 1778, this is the oldest surviving Quaker Meeting House in London.

A Brief History of Quakers

During the religious turmoil of the 17th century a number of non-conformist Christian sects gained popularity.

The Quaker movement was founded by George Fox who promoted the idea that everyone could have a direct relationship with God and this wasn’t dependant on fancy churches or a hierarchy of priests.

We might not think this sounds particularly radical today, but Quakers were one of the most feared and persecuted sects during the 17th century, particularly as they refused to swear oaths to the King and – gasp – allowed women to speak in meetings.

Public Domain – A woman preaches in a London Quaker meeting house c.1737

By 1660 there was around 30,000 in Britain but only 2 years later the Quaker Act, also known as the Act of Uniformity, forcing subjects to swear the oath of allegiance to the King and banning meetings or 5 or more members.

It was only with the Toleration Act of 1689 that Quakers were able to worship freely. The country’s oldest surviving Meeting House is in Hertford, dating from 1670. 

History of the Wandsworth Meeting House

It begins with a local Quaker, Joan Stringer, who lived on the site in a small house with a shop and three sheds. In 1674 she leased her property to the Society of Friends and later that year the first Meeting House was erected.

In the garden is the gravestone, dated 1697, which records her as the ‘giver of the ground’ a phrase which just has the loveliest ring to it.

Grave of Joan Stringer, Wandsworth Quaker | Look Up London

There are a number of burials in the garden behind the meeting house and it’s such a peaceful oasis.

Burial Garden, Wandsworth Meeting House | Look Up London

The current meeting house (which received Grade II listed status in 1983) dates from 1778, replacing an earlier wooden building from 1731.

This sits behind an earlier house, built late 17th or early 18th century, seen from Wandsworth High Street. This facade has been substantially refurbished over the years and a small plaque confirms that the new facade was built in 1927.

Wandsworth Quaker Meeting House

However there are plenty of original features, 18th century flagstones survive, forming a passageway into the hall.

Inside the meeting hall is plain, in-keeping with Quaker traditions, but contains the original wall paneling, floor and some fixed benches.

Inside Wandsworth Meeting House | Look Up London

In a Quaker meeting there is no vicar to preach a sermon, nor hymns or readings. Any member of the group is welcome to stand and speak if the spirit moves them to do so.

I went along to attend a meeting and it was extraordinary to sit quietly in that space, knowing these walls have witnessed meetings continuously for almost 250 years.

Inside Wandsworth Meeting House | Look Up London

I hope you enjoyed this blog post and if you’d like to attend a meeting at the Wandsworth Quaker Meeting House all are welcome. You can find out more on their website here


More London Inspiration

Get the latest London secrets to your email
See the city from a new angle, discovering little things you miss everyday and get the latest news about upcoming tours.
Once a week. No spam, just inspiration.
Your details will never be shared with any 3rd parties

Latest Blog Posts

  • Hidden History of Golden Square | Look Up London

    Hidden History of Golden Square 

    It might not have the immediate charm of Soho Square, but Golden Square has a fascinating history (and a good reason for its messy hodge-podge of architectural styles and ages). While walking through on a sunny afternoon I was struck by how many little details......

  • Queen Anne's Alcove, Kensington Gardens | Look Up London

    The Surprising History of Queen Anne’s Alcove

    Within Kensington Garden’s Italian Gardens you can find the monumental Queen Anne’s Alcove. Not only was it designed by Christopher Wren but it has a surprising history! The Italian Gardens were laid out around 1860, spearheaded by Prince Albert. They followed a similar plan for......

  • Art Deco Details of Palladium House | Look Up London

    Palladium House | The Art Deco Beauty Opposite Liberty’s

    It’s no surprise that people fail to appreciate Palladium House. Standing opposite the glorious facade of Liberty’s, the majority of people take photos of that wonderful black and white entrance. Now, this isn’t to say that Liberty doesn’t have its own historic credentials (you can......

  • 23-24 Leinster Gardens, London’s Fake Houses

    In the streets close to Bayswater tube station you can admire row upon row of Victorian, stucco terraces. But 23 & 24 Leinster Gardens hold a sneaky surprise. They are London’s fake houses! History of Leinster Gardens Leinster Gardens was laid out around 1855 and......

  • The FANY Memorial on St Paul's, Knightsbridge

    The FANY Memorial on St Paul’s, Knightsbridge

    On the wall of St Paul’s Knightsbridge, there’s a surprising war memorial where all the names are women. It remembers the members of the Women’s Transport Service (later known as FANY). History of FANY The First Aid Nursing Yeomanry was founded back in 1907. It......

  • Oriental Club Staircase | Look Up London

    Inside Stratford House

    Set back from busy Oxford Street is Stratford Place and at the very end you can find Stratford House, the beautiful building that’s now home to the Oriental Club. The club has only been here since 1962 but the history of the building (and the......

2 Comments

  • Stewart Francis

    Reply

    Thanks, Katie. What an interesting piece of history. I had no idea anyone could go to these meetings,

    January 25, 2023 at 9:16 am
  • Jane Burnett

    Reply

    With Quakers in my extended family, I found this particularly interesting and have passed it along to them. As always, looking forward to your next post, Katie!

    January 26, 2023 at 4:01 pm

Post a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

BOOK NOW