Littlehampton Friends Meeting House, nestled in the charming seaside town of Littlehampton in West Sussex, is a serene and historic place of worship for the Religious Society of Friends, commonly known as Quakers. This quaint building, with its rich past and unique architecture, invites visitors to step into a space of tranquility and reflection.
The story of the Littlehampton Friends Meeting House begins in the early 19th century when the town was flourishing as a small port and burgeoning seaside resort. Littlehampton, located at the estuary of the River Arun, was a picturesque town that began to attract visitors seeking the charm of the English seaside. By 1861, the population had grown to 2,436, and the town was well on its way to becoming a beloved holiday destination.
In 1835, a philanthropist named Mrs. Welch established a Penny School on the north side of Church Street. This type of school, often referred to as a Dame school, was a common form of education during that era. The L-shaped building, constructed with flint cobbles and red-brick dressings, featured a single schoolroom and an attached schoolmaster's house. The school served around 65 pupils and was completed in 1836. Interestingly, it was run by Dissenters rather than the Established Church, adding a unique dimension to its history.
As the years passed, the Penny School fell out of use, and the building transitioned into religious hands for the first time when it was acquired by the Plymouth Brethren. Meanwhile, the Quaker community in Littlehampton was growing. Quakers began meeting in the town in 1952 and were in search of a permanent meeting place. In 1965, they purchased the former school building, which had by then become available as the Brethren had moved to Argyll Hall elsewhere in the town.
Since then, the Littlehampton Friends Meeting House has been a hub for the Quaker community. By 1985, membership had grown to 20 individuals, and today it is considered a large meeting by the Religious Society of Friends. Weekly meetings are held on Sunday mornings, continuing the tradition of quiet worship and reflection.
On August 21, 1975, the building was designated a Grade II Listed building, recognizing its architectural and historic significance.
The Littlehampton Friends Meeting House is an architectural gem that reflects the simplicity and elegance of Quaker design. The building's L-shaped structure features a long south wing and a projecting east wing. The façade is adorned with flint cobbles, red-brick dressings, and grey-brick quoins, creating a visually striking exterior.
The main wing, consisting of three bays, boasts two pointed-arched windows with inset pairs of lancets. These windows, along with a similar arched entrance on the left side in a projecting bay, lend a Gothic touch to the building. The east wing, originally the schoolmaster's accommodation, has a full-height canted bay window facing south. This section is topped with a stuccoed gable bearing the painted legend Friends' Meeting House.
The building's simplicity and functionality are characteristic of Quaker meeting houses, which emphasize plainness and practicality. The interior, designed for quiet contemplation and communal worship, reflects these values.
The Littlehampton Friends Meeting House is not only a place of worship but also part of a historic ensemble of buildings on Church Street. The English Heritage listing acknowledges the meeting house's group value with the adjacent buildings at 7, 9, 11, 13, and 15 Church Street. This group value highlights the architectural and historic interest of the surrounding structures.
Numbers 11, 13, and 15 Church Street form a terrace of cottages, two of which date back to the 18th century. These cottages were given new façades in the 1830s when the third cottage was built. Numbers 7 and 9 Church Street, originally a single farmhouse, date from around 1700 and feature a flint and red-brick façade. Together, these buildings create a charming and historically significant streetscape.
Visiting the Littlehampton Friends Meeting House offers a unique opportunity to connect with the rich history of the Quaker community in Littlehampton. The building's serene atmosphere provides a space for quiet reflection and contemplation, in keeping with the Quaker tradition of silent worship.
Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture lover, or simply seeking a moment of peace, the Littlehampton Friends Meeting House invites you to step inside and experience its timeless charm. As you explore this historic building and its surroundings, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the enduring legacy of the Quaker community in this picturesque seaside town.
In conclusion, the Littlehampton Friends Meeting House stands as a testament to the town's rich history and the enduring spirit of the Quaker community. Its walls have witnessed the passage of time and the evolution of a community dedicated to peace, simplicity, and equality. A visit to this remarkable building is not just a journey into the past but also an invitation to embrace the values that continue to inspire and guide Quakers today.
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