Jordans Quaker Centre and Meeting House, HP9 2SN, Buckinghamshire
Details
Accessibility
Disability Toilet and Baby Changing Facilities.
Brief description
"Simon Jenkins, in England’s Thousand Best Churches, describes Jordans Meeting House as ‘the Quaker Westminster Abbey’. Built in three months in the autumn of 1688, Jordans is one of the first Quaker meeting houses built after James II issued his Declaration of Indulgence in 1687, which allowed Quaker and other non-conformist groups to worship lawfully for the first time.
The Meeting House has several important historical associations: it is the burial place of William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania, his first wife, Guilielma, his second wife, Hannah, and nine of his children. Other early Quakers who worshipped here and are buried in the grounds include Isaac Penington and his wife Mary Springett, Thomas Ellwood (poet and friend of John Bunyan and John Milton) and Joseph Rule.
Although the oak-beamed roof of the Meeting House was largely destroyed in the fire of 2005, the interiror of the Meeting Room - the original wooden panelling, the brick floor and most of the leaded windows - survived intact. And the tranquil atmosphere of the place has, thankfully, been restored.
In recent years, Jordans has supported the development of the ‘Quakers in The World’ web portal - a unique initiative that seeks to interpret the Quaker movement to the modern world through the lens of Quaker actions over the past three centruies. This ongoing project welcomes contributions from Quakers anywhere in the world.
Jordans is also home to an online information resource about Quakers worldwide: the Quakers in the World Web Portal: http://www.quakersintheworld.org/
After a major fire in 2005, the refurbishment of the building included creating new meeting rooms and conference facilities to the rear of the Meeting House.
Jordans Quaker Centre offers modern, purpose-built rooms for hire in a venue steeped in history and surrounded by unspoilt Chilterns beechwoods. Our Rooms for Hire are ideal for day-conferences, training, and business meetings of various kinds. But we also host family celebrations, yoga and movement classes, coaching and counselling sessions (on regular or ad-hoc basis) as well as solo and group retreat-days. We are non-residential but can recommend local accommodation. Our beautiful setting provides an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity, yet we are just five minutes drive from junction 2 of the M40 and ten minutes drive from junction 16 of the M25. See ROOM HIRE for details of our rooms and rates."
Address
Jordans Quaker Centre, Welders Lane,
Jordans, Beaconsfield, Bucks, HP9 2SN
office@jordansquakercentre.org
Phone
+44 (0)1494 876594
Website
https://www.jordansquakercentre.org/
Directions
"Jordans Quaker Meeting House is located in Buckinghamshire in a secluded but convenient location, close to London and about half an hour from Heathrow Airport.
By road: 10 minutes from M25 (J16); 5 minutes from M40 (J2). Exit onto A355 signed to Beaconsfield; at next roundabout take A40 towards Gerrards Cross. In just over half a mile, turn left into Potkiln Lane.
We welcome group visits and coach parties but these must be booked in advance. Coaches larger than minibusses need to park in the lay-by on Jordans Lane – they should not turn into Welders Lane. If coming from the M40/A40 we suggest large coaches proceed past the meeting house and turn left to Jordans village where they can turn around and come down Jordans Lane again to park in the lay-by."
Opening Times
Always check with the venue directly for up-to-date information including opening times and admission charges as they may be subject to change
2023: "Meeting for Worship: Sundays at 10:30 am. Tea/Coffee from 12:00. Visitors are welcome.
The burial grounds and garden surrounding the building are open to visitors all year round.
The Meeting House is open to visitors from April to the end of October.
Visiting times: Tuesday to Saturday, between 2 pm and 5 pm.
For group visits, or to arrange a visit at other times, please call 01494 876594.
Burial ground:
There are 385 historical burials in front of the Meeting House and the modern burial ground up the hill is still in use by members of Chilterns, London West, and London North West Area Meetings. Visitors are welcome to enjoy the grounds at any time."
Transport
"By rail: Chiltern Railways (Seer Green & Jordans) half a mile away provides a fast rail link to London Marylebone and Birmingham Moor Street.
Walking from Seer Green Station: Please contact us for advice."
Amenities
Baby Changing Facilities
Disability Toilet
Parking
Toilets
Jordans Burial Ground: http://www.jordansburialground.org/
Jordans Village, Locality and history: www.jordansvillage.co.uk
Nearby: YHA Youth Hostel Jordans
Welders Lane
Beaconsfield
HP9 2SN
And https://www.yha.org.uk/hostel/yha-jordans
Travel Information
For further travel information please see: www.traveline.info
Or call Traveline on 0871 200 22 33
(Calls cost 12p per minute plus your phone company's access charge)
Location
Nearest Venues
Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire
1.58 miles*
Chalfont St Peter, Buckinghamshire
1.63 miles*
Chalfont St Giles Parish Church, Buckinghamshire
1.84 miles*
*Distances are calculated in a straight line from the current venue, please allow extra time/distance based on available paths or roads.