MonoMonday: Traditional

There has been a long tradition of the Quaker religion (or Religious Society Of Friends, to give them their official name) in Street, over 360 years worth in fact, since followers of George Fox visited the village to spread the word in 1655; a meeting was set up the following year.

The most influential local Quaker families are the Clarks, founders of the shoe firm, and the Morlands who owned the sheepskin company in Glastonbury.

This building is the Friends' Meeing House, built in 1850 to replace the original 1800 one and is made from traditional local Lias stone.

In all the 37 years we have lived here, this afternoon was the first time I have entered the grounds, even though it is at the bottom of the High Street, next door to Clarks' HQ. I had never realised that there is a burial ground behind the building, just visible at the back of this shot.

If you want to know more of the local Quaker history, there is an interesting article here:

http://www.quakersatstreet.org.uk/a-history-of-quakers-in-street.html