‘A public footpath runs by the burial ground and an information board explains some of the history.’ Photo: by T Roger S Wilson
‘A public footpath runs by the burial ground and an information board explains some of the history.’ Photo: by T Roger S Wilson
Eye spies a light
Just as all times and seasons are sacred, so are all glimmers of light – no matter how big or small. So Friends, Eye invites you to share the glimmers of light in your life. Whether it be an act of kindness, a flowering bud, an inspiring song or programme, or a moment that moves you… Eye has a home for these rays of sun to shine.
Renewal and welcome
A Quaker burial ground in Sussex has been nurtured into a place for wildlife to thrive, and for passersby to discover more about Quakers.
T Roger S Wilson, of Blue Idol Meeting, shed light on how modern Friends have cared for this pocket of Quaker history: ‘West Weald Area Meeting has a burial ground, the West Chiltington Quaker Burial Ground, that dates back to 1660 when it was acquired on a 999-year lease. It had become very overgrown and, when two ash trees succumbed to ash dieback, the Blue Idol Local Meeting nearby embarked on a programme of renewal and management aimed at encouraging native wild flowers and wildlife.
‘A public footpath runs by the burial ground and an information board explains some of the history.’
The board shares that there were forty-seven burials between 1661 and 1722, and that ‘in those days Quakers did not use headstones’. It goes on to tell the stories of two Friends buried during this period –including one who had been imprisoned for not paying tithes – and how persecution led to many Friends seeking freedom abroad.
It concludes: ‘Burials here resumed in 1939, and this burial ground is now managed to encourage native flora and fauna. You are welcome to enjoy this quiet place.’
Below: Pickering Meeting’s lawn-based labyrinth has been freshly cut, so John Lawson sent Eye a snap.
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