Coanwood Quaker Meeting House

As part of the process of putting together Volume 4 of The Great North-East: An English History Tour, I am now wandering far and wide in pursuit of the photos I need for said book. The other day I persuaded my wife to take us on a trip to the relatively remote destination that is Coanwood Quaker Meeting House, a couple of miles or so east of Coanwood (at precisely NY709589, if you're interested). I was so taken with the place that I feel compelled to tell you all about it now.

It ain't easy to find, but the above grid reference will get you there. Park up near the farm entrance, walk over the little bridge and the pretty brook, and the chapel is hidden behind the trees to your right. It really is a lovely little spot. Let me say to begin with that as surviving Quaker chapels go, this is just about the most perfectly-preserved example of its kind in the UK. It has remained pretty much unchanged since its construction in 1760.

The head of a local landowning family of the time, Cuthbert Wigham, was responsible for its founding. Stone construction, Welsh slate roof (probably originally heather-thatched - most likely the only alteration!), and a beautifully austere interior. Stone flagged floor, plain open-backed wooden pews, raised Elders' benches, and a partitioned room at the rear with a small fireplace.

Outside can be found a small graveyard with the little, rounded headstones of the Quaker type - including that of the aforementioned Cuthbert Wigham. And to one side can be found a netty!

The meeting house ceased operating as a Quaker chapel in 1960, but is still maintained by local volunteers. Recently, overall care has been transferred from the Historic Chapels Trust to the 'Friends of Friendless Churches' organisation. It is usually to be found open to the public, as it was when I visited on a Saturday morning.

Hopefully, it will be accessible when you decide to pay it a visit. And if you're feeling particularly gregarious, the annual gathering/picnic will be held there at 12.30pm on 14th September 2025. It really is a cutie, and I would urge you to call in when you're next in the vicinity.

And I'll let you know when that book of mine is available for purchase. Will be out later this year.