Zealous: A Darker Side of the Early Quakers

‘… a model combination of scholarship and readability’ Thomas Hamm, Emeritus Professor of History, Earlham College. Author of The Quakers in America

‘… highly readable and engaging’ Robynne Rogers Healey, Professor of History, Trinity Western University

‘… a book at once both lively and authoritative’ Stephen K. Roberts, History of Parliament Trust, London

‘Ambitious in its intent, and masterful in its execution.’ Jackson van Uden, History with Jackson & BBC History Extra ’30 under 30’

‘A vivid and groundbreaking account’ Estelle Paranque, Author of Thorns, Lust and Glory: The Betrayal of Anne Boleyn

‘Insightful and engaging, this balanced account brings their convictions and struggles to life, while revealing the bold, disruptive strategies these spiritual revolutionaries employed to achieve their ends.’ Mark Turnbull, Author of Prince Rupert of the Rhine: King Charles I''s Cavalier Commander

‘… moving perspectives not found in previous scholarship’ Professor Ronald Hutton CBE, Author of Oliver Cromwell: Commander in Chief

The mid-seventeenth century was a tumultuous time, and out of the chaos, Quakerism was born. Zealous: A Darker Side of the Early Quakers tells a different side to this story. The Civil Wars touched all corners of England, Scotland and Wales; the people of the ‘poor, almost wasted Kingdom’ were war-weary, miserable and in total ruin. Years of conflict left the people in utter desperation. Communities were pillaged, torn apart and irrevocably changed. And then, in September 1651, it was over. What remained was a tattered landscape, an uncertain political future, religious upheaval and emotional trauma.

Amongst the turmoil, a new religious movement started in the north of England.

The early Quakers were a group of people led by charismatic preachers wholly convinced that it was their responsibility to save as many souls as possible. Their methods of convincing others ranged from failed attempts at miracles, to disruptive behaviour and infuriating local authorities by repeatedly breaking the law.

The early Quakers were standing on shifting sands during a very uncertain time. Throughout history, fear has always compelled people to do just about anything to feel safe and secure. Their zeal led them to challenge what they saw as an impure world. They were willing to die for their beliefs, and on occasion, they would commit unspeakable acts in the name of God.