Quaker Burial Ground, Milverton

A mile to the west of Milverton, at the point where a restricted byway meets Quakinghouse Lane (grid reference ST635225), there is a small Quaker burial ground.  The Quakers purchased the land in 1681 started using it as a burial ground from c1688.   It is still in use but the only visible gravestones are from the early 20th century onwards, as Quakers were not permitted gravestones until c1850.  All the gravestones are lying flat and only record names and dates of birth and death.  It can be entered by a gate with a plaque on it saying "Friends Burial Ground 1681."  It is a peaceful place with several trees, including at least one yew tree.  

There may once have been a Quaker meeting house in or immediately adjacent to the burial ground, but there was also one 100 metres further north. The house currently on that site is currently called Quaking House and some of its walls may be the remains of the meeting house. In c1758 the Quakers stopped meeting here when they bought and rebuilt a property in North Street, Milverton.  The Quakers stopped meeting at the property in Milverton in 1855 and sold it in 1872.

Entrance Gate

Notice in the burial ground

It says "True silence is to the spirit what sleep is to the body, nourishment and refreshment." William Penn 1699

Burial ground

Burial ground

Quaking House