Quakers in Alton

The Religious Society of Friends

A little history

Quakers have been around since 1652.  The ideas underlying our beliefs have not changed much, but we do move on, carefully testing our leadings using our tried and trusted methods and quiet meetings, for listening to ‘the still small voice’.

Quakers have been involved in many of the social reforms over the last few centuries, and are often very active in peace work and conflict resolution.  All kinds of people continue to be drawn towards this mixture of faith and action.

Alton Meeting House was built in Church Street in 1672 at a cost of £204.  Since then there have been a few alterations ­ for example a new floor was laid in 1730, and a cottage added to the end of the building in 1832.  Since then we’ve added a few modern things, like a kitchen, toilets, electricity and heating!  However, very recently we've improved things further with the installation of a toilet for disabled people, a 'Reading Room' which houses our small library, and we've renovated other parts that were in much need of it. It's peaceful and characterful, and we think ours is the second-oldest purpose-built Meeting House.