KNUTSFORD HISTORICAL SOCIETY by Mary Lipyeat

The speaker for this month’s meeting at the Knutsford Historical Society was Ray Acton on the subject of Quakers and other non-conformists in the 17th century.

He spoke about the history of religious factions in this country since the reign of Henry VIII and the Dissolution of the Monasteries which resulted in the country becoming Church of England rather than Catholic.

According to Ray’s research Anglicanism proved just as hard a discipline for the people as Catholicism had done, prompting many to break from the established church and form their own church versions of Christianity. In the early years these mainly comprised Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Quakers and Unitarians. Ray is a Wilmslow man with farming generations behind him and he has taken a great interest in the many chapels in the town, some still in existence and others in their various locations over the years. His graphic illustrations on slides did him proud.

The next meeting is on Thursday November 19. The talk will be Last Laugh of the Railway King – Edward Watkin, speaker Geoff Scargill will begin at 8pm. Venue – Methodist Church, rear entrance and everyone welcome for a small charge of £2 if not a member.