The Swarthmore Lecture has two key purposes: to interpret to Quakers their message and mission and to make the wider public aware of the spirit, the aims, and fundamental principles of Friends.
The Swarthmore Lecture usually takes place each year during Britain Yearly Meeting. The lecture is funded and organised by Woodbrooke. It is an important part of Woodbrooke’s learning programme and has a key place in the life of Quakers in Britain.
If you enjoy the Swarthmore lecture and would like to support Woodbrooke in providing future lectures then please consider making a donation to support this important part of our work.
If you would like to receive updates about the Swarthmore Lecture, please sign up here.
2026 Lecture
Tangled Roots: Navigating the Complex Legacy of Early Quakers By Stuart Masters
In his lecture, Stuart explored the diverse mix of characteristics visible in the early Quaker movement that produced several creative tensions which subsequent generations have had to navigate. These include the tensions between inward experience and outward tradition, communal order and individual freedom, the quietist and the charismatic, and the new creation and the world. He argued that engaging with these issues can help Friends better appreciate the diversity present within the global Quaker family and enable them to discern how to respond to these dilemmas today.
Prepare for the Lecture
Get to know the 2026 Swarthmore Lecturer, Stuart Masters, and explore the context behind the lecture through our interview series.
Reflect on the Lecture
Following the lecture, we are offering a range of opportunities to explore its themes in greater depth, together with Stuart.
Day Events
Join Stuart Masters for day events in Edinburgh and Oxford, where we will reflect on and discuss the key ideas from the lecture.
Edinburgh Quaker Meeting House – Saturday 4 July
Oxford Quaker Meeting House – Saturday 11 July
Book Club
Join our online book club with Stuart, where we will read the Swarthmore Lecture book together and share reflections in a supportive group setting.
October 2026 to February 2027 with live Zoom sessions, 19:00-20:30, on 29 October, 26 November, 28 January and 25 February.
Book to Accompany the Lecture
The first printing of the accompanying book has now sold out, but a new printing will be available from the Quaker Bookshop in London and online for £10 in late June, an eBook version is also available for £5.
Past Lectures
The lecture series has been running for over a hundred years, having started in 1908.
See details of past lecturers and access video and audio recordings here
The publications relating to past lectures can found in local Quaker meeting libraries or be purchased from the Quaker Centre Bookshop.
About the Swarthmore Lecture
Each year there is a spoken lecture and supporting publication, as well as usually audio and video recording and in recent years live streaming of the lecture. Those giving the lecture often lead courses at Woodbrooke to allow in-depth exploration of the subject explored in the lecture.
The Lecture is funded by Woodbrooke and overseen and supported by staff and the Swarthmore Lecture Committee. The committee is responsible for discerning lecturers and topics. It considers Friends who may have a message for the Yearly Meeting and issues of concern and interest to Friends or which bring Quaker witness, faith and practice to a wider audience. The committee considers names put forward by Friends, relevant themes, and its own leadings.
If you would like to suggest a lecturer and/or theme, please download and complete the Swarthmore Lecture Proposal Form.
Further Information
For more information about the Swarthmore Lecture contact Simon Best, Head of Programmes & Partnerships. Email: simon.best@woodbrooke.org.uk
