The Story of Quakerism in Scotland: 1650-1850

Covering three hundred years of history, G.B. Burnet uncovers the beginnings and downfall of the Scottish Quaker movement, which, during its period of 1650-1850, had an estimated 1500 adherents. The story of Quakerism can be divided into four main periods: its rise during the few years of Cromwell’s rule; the ‘epic’ period during the latter Stuart dynasty, during which it reached a height and simultaneously underwent its cruellest persecutions in Aberdeen; its gradual decline with occasional surges of social activity; and its dwindling activities in the nineteenth century. Burnet writes with clarity and depth on the four main periods, taking the reader along the movement’s history from Edinburgh to Aberdeen, Angus, the Borders, the Highlands and beyond. As the study approaches the end of the nineteenth century, Burnet addresses the ultimate question of why Quakerism failed in Scotland. An Epilogue, written by William H. Marwick, Clerk to the Friends’ General Meeting for Scotland, expands still further on the progress of Quakerism from 1850-1950. ‘The pioneer Quakers were nothing if not strong in zeal to win converts, and the Movement had hardly obtained a footing in England before the 'dark carnal people’ of Scotland were marked down for missionary enterprise.‘ Extract from Chapter 1.