George Fox

1624

Born in Leicestershire

Born at Drayton-in-the-Clay (now Fenny Drayton), son of a weaver known as 'Righteous Christer.'

1643

Religious Awakening Begins

At nineteen, a growing dissatisfaction with the religion of his day drove Fox to leave home and wander in search of spiritual truth.

1647

Vision — Hears the Voice of Christ

After years of seeking, Fox heard a voice saying 'There is one, even Christ Jesus, that can speak to thy condition' — the foundational experience of Quakerism.

1649

First Imprisonment at Nottingham

Arrested for interrupting a preacher in Nottingham, beginning a lifetime of persecution for his convictions.

1650–51

Derby Prison — 'Quaker' Nickname Coined

Imprisoned at Derby for blasphemy. Justice Gervase Bennet coined the term 'Quaker' when Fox bade him tremble at the word of the Lord.

1651

Convincement of Farnworth, Nayler, Dewsbury

Fox's preaching in the north of England convinced Richard Farnworth, James Nayler, and William Dewsbury — men who would become pillars of the movement.

1652

Firbank Chapel — The Quaker Pentecost

Fox preached to over a thousand seekers at Firbank Fell. Francis Howgill, John Audland, and John Camm were convinced — a turning point in the movement's growth.

1652

Swarthmore Hall — Margaret Fell Convinced

Fox arrived at Swarthmore Hall, home of Judge Thomas Fell. Margaret Fell was convinced and the hall became the administrative headquarters of the movement.

1652

Edward Burrough Convinced

The young Edward Burrough, just eighteen, heard Fox preach and became one of the most powerful voices of the early movement.

1653

Carlisle Imprisonment

Imprisoned for seven months at Carlisle under harsh conditions, further establishing the pattern of Quaker suffering for conscience.

1654

Meets Cromwell at Whitehall

Fox met Oliver Cromwell in London and held a remarkable conversation about religion and governance. Cromwell was moved but did not adopt Quaker principles.

1669

Marries Margaret Fell

Eleven years after the death of Judge Fell, Fox married Margaret at a public meeting in Bristol — a union of two great Quaker leaders.

1671–73

American Journey

Fox traveled through the West Indies and American colonies for two years, establishing Quaker meetings and deepening transatlantic connections.

1691

Dies in London

George Fox died in London on January 13, 1691, having built a movement that would endure for centuries. His last words included: 'All is well.'