Eye - 1 September 2023

From Maltsters, manufacturers and merchants to Found in fiction

Maltsters, manufacturers and merchants

Given that many Quakers were involved in the temperance movement, Eye was surprised to hear about the connection between Friends and brewing (28 July). This has inspired readers to get in touch with even more connections.

Richard Pickvance, of Blackheath Meeting, turned the spotlight on Edward H Milligan’s Biographical Dictionary of British Quakers in Commerce and Industry 1775–1920 (published by Sessions in 2007).
Edward, also known as Ted, was the librarian and archivist of Meeting for Sufferings. Here, he includes entries for some 2,800 people. Richard writes: ‘He has entries for thirty-two brewers, but seems to have missed Sampson Hanbury…

‘The name of David Barclay is better known: he was one of the four investors who bought the Anchor Brewery previously owned by Samuel Johnson’s friend Henry Thrale, and his name survived through many mergers until it finally disappeared from the name of the successor business in 1970.

‘The sale of Thrale’s brewery occasioned a famous phrase from Johnson: “We are not here to sell a parcel of boilers and vats, but the potentiality of growing rich beyond the dreams of avarice.”

‘Milligan also lists thirty maltsters, four wine manufacturers and twenty-seven wine/spirit merchants.’

David Hickok, of Friends House Meeting in London, was inspired to share some family history: ‘A distant Quaker ancestor Anthony Morris made a beer. Not the only Quaker in Philadelphia to do so. But his was so fine George Washington told Anthony’s granddaughter by marriage, the Quaker Margaret Morris, it was the finest beer in the land. So fun to see what Quakers were getting up to. All in moderation.’

Penning a piece

The Friend has always been something we create with you, Friends, and we welcome your voice. Take a peek at the writing guide on our website to find out how you could be heard: https://thefriend.org/page/writing-guidelines.

Passion and fire

A romantic young Quaker from Ely
Fell in love with a beauty from Keighley
With passion and fire
He spoke his desire
Her only response was ‘O, really!’

Alec Davison