George Fox

July 1624 – 13 January 1691

George Fox (1624-1691) was an English Dissenter and the founder of the Religious Society of Friends, commonly known as the Quakers. Rejecting formal clergy and ritual, he preached that the 'Inner Light' of Christ was available to all people, and he endured repeated imprisonment for his beliefs. His Journal, published after his death, became a classic of religious literature.

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Life events

Born in Drayton-in-the-Clay, Leicestershire, England
July 1624

George Fox was born in the village of Drayton-in-the-Clay (now Fenny Drayton), the son of a weaver.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Left home on a spiritual quest
September 1643

At nineteen, troubled by the religious conformity around him, Fox left his apprenticeship and family to wander England seeking spiritual answers.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Began public preaching of the Inner Light
1647

After a series of revelatory experiences, Fox began preaching that direct experience of Christ was possible without clergy or church buildings.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Imprisoned at Derby, where the name 'Quaker' arose
1650

Fox was jailed for blasphemy at Derby; the nickname Quaker is said to have been coined when he told a judge to tremble at the word of the Lord.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Had his vision on Pendle Hill and gathered followers in northern England
1652

Fox's vision on Pendle Hill and his subsequent preaching, including at Firbank Fell, drew large numbers of followers and marked the effective founding of the Quaker movement.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Achievement ✓
Established the organizational structure of the Society of Friends
c. 1667

In his later years Fox set up the system of monthly and yearly meetings that gave the Quaker movement its lasting structure.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Married Margaret Fell
27 October 1669

Fox married Margaret Fell of Swarthmoor Hall, a leading Quaker organizer and widow of Judge Thomas Fell, in Bristol.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Traveled to the Caribbean and North America
August 1671 – June 1673

Fox undertook a two-year missionary journey to Barbados, Jamaica and the American colonies, organizing Quaker meetings there.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Died in London
13 January 1691

Fox died in London two days after preaching at the Gracechurch Street meeting and was buried at Bunhill Fields.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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