04-04-2025
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.
