Swarthmoor Hall & Gardens

Swarthmoor Hall is a Grade II* listed country house. During the 17th century it was home to Thomas and Margaret Fell along with their eight children. In 1652 George Fox, founder of Quakerism, visited the household and Margaret Fell became instrumental in the founding of the Quaker movement. Swarthmoor Hall became the headquarters for the new movement during a time of enormous political and religious turmoil. Many of the ideas of Quakers (also known as the Religious Society of Friends) were seen as radical. Their controversial beliefs led to years of persecution and Margaret Fell was imprisoned twice at Lancaster Castle.

The house retains many historic features but has altered dramatically over the years. It fell into disrepair during the 18th and 19th centuries, when it was occupied by a series of tenant farmers. The estate was bought in 1912 by Emma Clarke Abraham, a direct descendant of Margaret Fell, with the help of the Quaker community on the understanding that it would eventually be returned to Quaker ownership.

The Hall and estate were brought back into Quaker ownership in 1954 when it was bought by Religious Society of Friends.