“Woe unto the bloody city of Lichfield”
George Fox, founder of the Quakers, also known as the Religious Society of Friends, preached up and down the country during the English Civil War and after. He and his followers were often thrown into prison because of their dissident views.
George visited Lichfield shortly after being released from Derby Gaol in 1651. Standing barefoot in the Market Square he denounced the city with the words “Woe unto the bloody city of Lichfield.”
As part of the 400th anniversary of George Fox’s birth, we were pleased to present our re-enactment of this important piece of Staffordshire history on Sunday 27th October 2024 in Lichfield Market Square. We are grateful to Lichfield Camera Club for filming the re-enactment https://www.lichfieldcameraclub.org/
Original play written and produced by Berry Dicker of Lichfield Quaker Meeting and directed by David Titley.
The attached version of the play is the original as written by Berry Dicker. The version of the play in the video was slightly rewritten by the director to allow for use of a larger cast.
Copyright © 2024 Berry Dicker and STAFFORDSHIRE AREA QUAKER MEETING OF THE RELIGIOUS SOCIETY OF FRIENDS (QUAKERS) IN BRITAIN. All rights reserved. If you would like to put on your own performance of the play or use any part of it, please contact the trustees. Permission may be given for non-profit applications which are in line with the values of the Religious Society of Friends.
Gallery
Visit the gallery for photos of the rehearsal and performance, including full cast list
Poster
Original poster for the event
More about Lichfield and George Fox
In October 2010, Anthony Wilson (Lichfield Meeting) gave a talk to Lichfield Rotary Club on George’s visit to Lichfield in 1651. Read it here.
George Fox 400
George Fox, an early leader of Quakerism, would be turning 400 this year (2024) and Quakers in Britain and around the world are celebrating!
Fox made a point of living with integrity and acting against injustice. He helped to build a faith community that practised what they preached, looking for that of God in everyone. Quakers through history continued to live out these values, playing an important role in the abolition of slavery, modelling fair employment practices and working for humanitarian and social change. Today, Quakers in Britain work for peace, climate and social justice. Quaker communities create spaces for people of all faiths and none to explore their beliefs in quiet stillness. Following the example of George Fox and early Friends, Quakers continue to live and work by testimonies to peace, equality, simplicity, and truth.
Learn more about Fox, his relevance today and how to get involved in the celebrations.
History of Quakers in Staffordshire – homepage
History of Quakers in Staffordshire by Bill Walley
History of Quakers in Leek – series of 3 articles by Linda Skellam
History of Quakers in Lichfield – Building Bridges by Anthony Wilson
History of Quakers in Lichfield: A “Quaker without knowing it“
George Fox in Lichfield by Anthony Wilson
“Woe unto the bloody city” – video reenactment of George Fox’s historic visit to Lichfield
History of Quakers in Uttoxeter: Martha and Mary
History of Quakers and Finance
Staffordshire Quakers 