Evesham Quakers and the 17th-century English Revolution

Dr Stephen Roberts, who was Director of the History of Parliament Trust in London and is a vice-president of the Cromwell Association and active in the Worcestershire Historical Society, gave a short but fascinating talk about Quakers in the 17th century, with particular reference to the local area.  In 1655, during Oliver Cromwell's rule, life in Evesham was shaken by an episode of disorder and agitation when Humphry Smith, a leader of the new sect called Quakers, visited the town. Dr Roberts looked at what happened and why and set this turbulent period in Evesham's history in context.