Behind a block of flats I found a small memorial garden on the site of an old Quaker burial ground. John Woolman (1720 – 1772) was an American Quaker preacher who travelled the Old and New Worlds speaking out against slavery and the slave trade, cruelty to animals, economic injustices and oppression, and conscription. You can read more about his life here
He died from smallpox whilst visiting York four years before America gained her independence. The plain headstone with the month refered to by number rather than name is typically Quaker. Perhaps he was preaching or visiting Friends in York where the Quakers have a long tradition of involvement in the social equality movement.
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I did not know about Quakers not naming the days and months. And smallpox what a reminder of how nasty things have been in the past.
ReplyDeleteThe intruiging thing for me here is that you found 'a small memorial garden at the back of a block of flats'. And it dated from the middle of the 18thC.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful. I would love to see more of it. I wonder if that is possible, please?
Mmmm ... had a read through that link you note. It is a very antiseptic account of a life, wiped clean by earnest supporters, I fear. Leave it there though, for it tells much.
ReplyDeleteHow interesting. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHerding Cats
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As much as I admire what he believed and accomplished, he sounds like he might have been insufferable to have around, especially for those unenlightened times.
ReplyDeleteJulie I can add the following information about the Quaker Burial ground.
ReplyDelete"In 1667 land was purchased for a burial ground on Bishophill, south of the river between the present Albion Street and Cromwell Road. The burial ground was enlarged by the purchase of an adjacent site in 1823. In 1855 the ground was closed for burials".
The garden is walled on two sides with flats on the other two sides. The stones are arranged in carefully placed groups of three to five around the walls and interplanted with trees shrubs and flowers. Some of them have the note "Within these precincts" inscribed on them. I found it to have a respectful and peaceful feel to it. I will post further picture(s) on the blog in the next few weeeks.
Very difficult to find information on John Woolman that has not been sanitised. Even his own Journal and Essays, once widely read, have been through a sucession of editors down the years who have put their own slant on things.
VioletSky - I think you may well be right!
Thanks for this post. His is not a name I know, but probably should. Been to York once and found it fascinating.
ReplyDeleteA dignified stone. I am off to read your link.
ReplyDeleteA man who was way ahead of his time. A very plain stone, which I think is pretty unusual for the time, except I guess for the Quakers.
ReplyDeleteI think he and I were of the same Mind...Its a lovely little stone, simple and to the point!!
ReplyDeleteIt is a nice, simple stone that befits a Quaker's dignity.
ReplyDeleteInteresting. It took me a few moments to understand the term "block of flats." You know, we Yanks don't always speak the King's English! At first I was picturing a large block of perhaps concrete and then "flats" as maybe pallets, all the time wondering why in the world would you be digging around behind that type of stuff! Maybe this will at least give you a chuckle for the day!
ReplyDeleteYes Kathy you made me smile, thank you! Actually you are not that far off with the large block of concrete, just add in a few windows, doors, and a staircase or two.
DeleteSame here ... whereas an Australian did not blink an eyelid ... very usual expression over here as well ...
DeleteThanks for that addendum, Deb. It could even be that pre-existing houses were demolished (or fell down) and the land put to a different use. Would not happen nowadays, but things have moved on. Empty parcels of land like that here in my own suburb in inner Sydney are repurposed as children's playgrounds!
ReplyDeleteIt is a shame that people cannot go down into history warts and all. Woolman was reading well until I came to the bit about his daughter doing something or other. That is the one and only personal detail. Until then there was not a hint about the desires of the flesh. Always makes me suspicious of a white-wash ...