also called The Society of Friends This is a religious organisation founded by George Fox (1624-1691AD) in the 1650s AD. Fox was unable to find any church satisfying. He first started itinerant preaching, but found others likeminded. A society was formed who called themselves the 'Children of Light' or the 'Friends of Truth' - they were nicknamed the Quakers, as they shook during worship. Quakers rejected any organised secular or spiritual authorities - the members leading the worship themselves and being guided by a found inner light. Quakers were and are pacifists and non-political. They were persecuted till 1689AD, which like Presbyterians entailed imprisonment and enforced transportation. Quakers took up industrial, scientific and social improvements for many. Edward Pease of Darlington was involved in financing the Stockton and Darlington Railway.

The unofficial name of the Religious Society of Friends. It was the name given them because of their "quaking" or shaking motion when speaking, in the early days of their founding.

members of the Society of Friends, a radical Protestant sect that believed in the equality of men and women, pacifism, and the presence of a divine “inner light” in every individual

The Quakers were a radical English religious sect that arose in the mid-seventeenth century. Quakers stressed the doctrine of the Inner Light (or Holy Spirit that dwelt within them), rejected formal theology and an educated ministry, and were important in the founding of Pennsylvania. They were pacifists and tolerant of other religions.