Exploring the peaceful 'cradle of Quakerism' in Cumbria
SWARTHMOOR Hall has opened its doors for the 2025 season as it gears up to welcome tourists, locals and visitors to this unique venue, which has values embedded in sustainability, biodiversity and relaxation.
Known as the cradle of Quakerism, the hall and gardens were built around 1600 and are steeped in Quaker history, a movement that is particularly relevant in today's modern society.
The Quakers date back to the 1650s, when founder George Fox was challenging the world he saw and seeking to live a life embedded in integrity, peace, simplicity, truth and equality.
Along with his wife Margaret, who hailed from Swarthmoor Hall, he used the venue as a base in the north of England and a place of solace and security for those who practised the Quaker faith.
Today, the Quaker movement, which continues to practise its values on sustainability, protecting the environment and reducing waste, can be explored via the history of Swarthmoor Hall, near Ulverston.
The Grade II* listed building's interiors contain examples of the original 17th century carved panelling and artefacts, alongside 20th century carvings by Emma Clarke Abraham, a direct descendant of Margaret.
It was Emma who, in 1912-14 restored the property to what it is today. When it was left to the Quakers in the 1950s, they carefully sourced period furnishings to ensure that the hall appeared as it would have in the early days.
The surrounding gardens have also evolved from their initial conception when they would have been used to grow plants and herbs for medicines and fruit and vegetables to cook in the family kitchen.
Today, they are a focus of wildlife and biodiversity with dedicated relaxation areas, a wildflower meadow and beehives.
(Image: Swarthmoor Hall) Swarthmoor Hall offers visitors a unique venue for all, whether they come to explore the hall and gardens, drop in for coffee or lunch at the Barn café or want to purchase locally produced arts and crafts from the shop.
The venue also has meeting space for hire and is an ideal setting for creative and relaxing retreats from yoga and meditation to dance and self-discovery.
For those who wish to stay a little longer there is also a range of self-catering accommodation onsite.
For more information, opening times and ticket prices visit swarthmoorhall.co.uk Swarthmoor Hall is just one of the venues being highlighted by the Let's Go Culture project, which has received £99,194 from the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and is being supported by Westmorland & Furness Council.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Yahoo
Historic south Essex landmark gets facelift thanks to passionate volunteers
WORK to upgrade a much-loved and historic Rayleigh landmark has been completed thanks to fresh funding and the efforts of passionate volunteers. Rayleigh Mount, the site of a medieval motte and bailey castle close to Rayleigh Windmill, is owned by the National Trust and in recent months has seen extensive upgrades to improve accessibility for visitors. On Saturday, stakeholders and funders will gather at the mount for a celebration of the community effort to rejuvenate the 11th century site. We're now on WhatsApp! Join our new channel at to get all the latest breaking news and exclusive stories delivered straight to your phone. Celebratory - Julie Gooding has been involved in the upgrade project (Image: Julie Gooding) 'I am honoured to have been invited to attend the event as a valued member of the National Trust Local Committee, joining fellow supporters, volunteers, and residents in recognising the collective effort that has brought renewed vitality to Rayleigh Mount,' said Julie Gooding, Non-Aligned councillor for Hawkwell West. 'This celebration is not just about a site—it's about a shared commitment to heritage, sustainability, and community. 'Whether you contributed your time at a task day, shared your vision for the future, or simply supported from afar, this is your achievement too.' Education - New displays provide historical information around the 11th century site (Image: Julie Gooding)Since February, residents have been gathering for volunteer task days at Rayleigh Mount, at which much of the now completed works were carried out. The action has been made possible by a UK Shared Prosperity Fund grant from Rochford District Council. 'The recent funding has already made a visible impact at Rayleigh Mount,' said Mrs Gooding. 'Footpath accessibility has been significantly improved, with new handrails installed on the steps leading up to the castle site, making the site safer and more accessible to visitors who may have some access disabilities. Improved - New accessible footpaths have been installed at the mount (Image: Julie Gooding) 'In addition, new signage and information boards now help guide and educate visitors about the site's rich history and ecological significance, enhancing the overall visitor experience.' The castle at Rayleigh Mount is one of 48 mentioned in the Domesday Book, and the only one in Essex. A spokesperson for the National Trust has described the project as 'an ambitious initiative focused on improving access, enhancing environmental sustainability, and fostering nature-based solutions within our local communities.'
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Yahoo
A Slow Burn Becomes A Brilliant Flame
Chef Chris Scanga broadens Milton Inn's offerings to include inventive, elevated and personal multi-course tasting menu BALTIMORE, May 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- At the 285-year-old Milton Inn — a Maryland landmark that once welcomed Quaker travelers and also served as a school house — Chef Chris Scanga is orchestrating a bold new chapter in American fine dining. As Executive Chef and Co-Owner, Scanga blends reverence for the inn's centuries-old legacy with a daring vision for the future, transforming the historic fieldstone manor into a culinary destination where tradition meets innovation. Chef Scanga draws inspiration from the bounty of the Mid-Atlantic, sourcing exceptional produce, meats, and seafood from more than two dozen of the region's premier farms and purveyors. Chef Scanga has introduced an evolved dining experience at The Milton Inn, offering guests an even broader expression of his classically-rooted, modern cuisine. His innovative, deeply personal cooking style has swiftly earned him acclaim as one of the most dynamic young talents in the culinary world today. Chef Scanga explains: "My starting point is always from the perspective of those who are seated in the dining room. What will please them? What will surprise and delight them? The menu of The Milton Inn is a natural evolution. It's about familiar favorites, reinterpreted and served in a way that allows for new experiences. It's an opportunity to broaden our offering and deliver a higher experience." The Dining Room at The Milton Inn offers a refined, multi-course pre-fixe menu that showcases Chef Scanga's creativity, care, and deep connection to the region and its seasons. Set within elegant white-tablecloth spaces, the experience is designed for elevated service and a fully realized culinary journey—complete with curated wine pairings from The Milton Inn's historic cellar. The Tavern features a relaxed bar and dining space, perfect for casual dinners, spontaneous visits, and lingering conversations. Chef Scanga's seasonal dishes take on a more approachable, familiar style here, paired with innovative cocktails and warm hospitality. "From the beginning, Chef Chris Scanga's menu has reflected his distinctive and innovative approach — reimagining familiar classics and presenting food in a way that always feels both deeply personal and exciting," says Tony Foreman who acquired The Milton Inn along with Chef Scanga in 2021 and which is now part of the award-winning Tony Foreman + Co. group of restaurants and wine stores. "His range of influences and creativity shine through every dish, and I couldn't be prouder to stand beside him in this next evolution of The Milton Inn." Tucked amid the rolling countryside of Sparks, Maryland, The Milton Inn occupies a meticulously restored fieldstone estate. Originally a Quaker coach stop, dating to 1740, the building has served variously as a schoolhouse—where John Wilkes Booth was once a student—and later, as an antiques shop before its evolution into a revered fine-dining destination for over 70 years. Today, The Milton Inn channels the rustic romance of a French hunting lodge, blending historic charm with contemporary elegance. Chef Scanga's commitment to sustainability and culinary excellence is evident at every turn, celebrating the richness of the Mid-Atlantic through menus that honor tradition, innovation, and a deep respect for the land. A selection of photographs of The Milton Inn and culinary offerings can be found at: MILTON INN PHOTOS Contact: Greg Tucker | 395389@ | 410.624.9536 View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE The Milton Inn
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Yahoo
Exploring the peaceful 'cradle of Quakerism' in Cumbria
SWARTHMOOR Hall has opened its doors for the 2025 season as it gears up to welcome tourists, locals and visitors to this unique venue, which has values embedded in sustainability, biodiversity and relaxation. Known as the cradle of Quakerism, the hall and gardens were built around 1600 and are steeped in Quaker history, a movement that is particularly relevant in today's modern society. The Quakers date back to the 1650s, when founder George Fox was challenging the world he saw and seeking to live a life embedded in integrity, peace, simplicity, truth and equality. Along with his wife Margaret, who hailed from Swarthmoor Hall, he used the venue as a base in the north of England and a place of solace and security for those who practised the Quaker faith. Today, the Quaker movement, which continues to practise its values on sustainability, protecting the environment and reducing waste, can be explored via the history of Swarthmoor Hall, near Ulverston. The Grade II* listed building's interiors contain examples of the original 17th century carved panelling and artefacts, alongside 20th century carvings by Emma Clarke Abraham, a direct descendant of Margaret. It was Emma who, in 1912-14 restored the property to what it is today. When it was left to the Quakers in the 1950s, they carefully sourced period furnishings to ensure that the hall appeared as it would have in the early days. The surrounding gardens have also evolved from their initial conception when they would have been used to grow plants and herbs for medicines and fruit and vegetables to cook in the family kitchen. Today, they are a focus of wildlife and biodiversity with dedicated relaxation areas, a wildflower meadow and beehives. (Image: Swarthmoor Hall) Swarthmoor Hall offers visitors a unique venue for all, whether they come to explore the hall and gardens, drop in for coffee or lunch at the Barn café or want to purchase locally produced arts and crafts from the shop. The venue also has meeting space for hire and is an ideal setting for creative and relaxing retreats from yoga and meditation to dance and self-discovery. For those who wish to stay a little longer there is also a range of self-catering accommodation onsite. For more information, opening times and ticket prices visit Swarthmoor Hall is just one of the venues being highlighted by the Let's Go Culture project, which has received £99,194 from the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and is being supported by Westmorland & Furness Council.
