High Flatts Quaker Meeting House

Past President Tim Grass makes an unexpected discovery…

Brown signs to tourist destinations can take you down some unexpected turnings. Along the A629 between Penistone and Huddersfield, a brown sign points down a narrow lane to a Friends’ Meeting House. Even better, it turned out to be open for Heritage Open Days, and we were welcomed by two members. The meeting house forms part of a hamlet which became known as Quaker Bottom. Converted from a barn in 1697, it was largely rebuilt in 1754 and the present front dates from 1864, although if you explore the tree-shaded burial ground at the rear you can still evidence of the building’s earlier forms. Inside, what struck me was the attractive panelling of the upstairs shutters and behind the ministers’ bench. The large windows on the south side of the building (none on the north) make for a beautifully light room, in a secluded location. It reminded me of the Strict Baptist chapels in which I grew up.