Courses & Learning
Woodbrooke retreats at Swarthmoor Hall
Swarthmoor Hall is a beautiful Quaker retreat centre near Ulverston in the south of Cumbria, where Woodbrooke will be offering a programme of retreats and other courses from January 2012. Set amidst the natural beauty of the Cumbrian fells, it makes an ideal setting for silence, reflection and spiritual learning.
Swarthmoor Hall was built in about 1586 by George Fell, a local landowner. His son, Thomas, inherited the Hall and here in 1652 George Fox, the founder of the Religious Society of Friends, gained the support and encouragement of Margaret, Thomas’ wife. From 1652 Swarthmoor Hall became the base of George Fox's activities and for many years was the centre of Quakerism, which spread from the North throughout England and to many other countries. Margaret Fell is often called the "Mother of Quakerism." She had a genius for friendship, welcoming many seekers to her home, and writing and receiving many letters. Today Swarthmoor Hall still extends a Quaker welcome to people who visit from all over the world.
Organised retreats
Below are some of the retreats in our 2012 programme at Swarthmoor Hall.
Nature as Monastery, Nature as Sanctuary
Friday 4 – Monday 7 May led by Cliodhna Mulhern
Time Set Aside: an individually guided silent retreat
Monday 10 – Friday 14 September led by Timothy Peat Ashworth and Frances Henley Lock
