Quaker Burial Ground, Brigflatts

The Brigflatts Quaker Burial Ground is historically significant as it was established in 1656, making it potentially the first piece of land acquired by the Religious Society of Friends for burial purposes. It was a necessity as Anglican churchyards were closed to Quakers. The adjacent Meeting House, built in 1675, is the second oldest Friends Meeting House in England and a Grade I listed building. It's considered a birthplace of Quakerism and has been in continuous use since its inception.

While the immediate area around the Burial Ground is tranquil for contemplation, it serves as an excellent starting point for exploring the wider Rawthey Valley and the Yorkshire Dales. You can find various walking trails and hiking routes of differing lengths and difficulties that pass through or near Brigflatts, connecting to Sedbergh and other scenic areas. These routes are suitable for hikers and walkers looking to combine a historical visit with outdoor activity.

The terrain immediately around the burial ground is generally gentle and accessible for most visitors. However, specific wheelchair access might be limited in certain areas, especially within the burial ground itself due to natural ground cover and older paths. The Meeting House is generally accessible, but it's always advisable to contact the Friends Meeting House directly for the most up-to-date information on specific accessibility features.

The Brigflatts Quaker Burial Ground is a place of quiet reflection, and while well-behaved dogs on leads are generally tolerated in the outdoor areas, visitors are asked to be respectful. For nearby walking trails in the Yorkshire Dales, dogs are usually welcome, but it's crucial to keep them on a lead, especially when passing through livestock areas, and to clean up after them to protect the natural environment and local farming.

There is typically a small car park located adjacent to the Brigflatts Meeting House, which serves both the Meeting House and the Burial Ground. This provides convenient parking for visitors arriving by car. Due to its size, it's recommended to arrive earlier during peak seasons or busy times to secure a spot.

While Brigflatts itself is a small hamlet with limited amenities, the nearby town of Sedbergh offers a good selection of cafes, pubs, and accommodation options. Sedbergh is just a short distance away and provides various choices for refreshments, meals, and overnight stays, catering to visitors exploring the Yorkshire Dales.

The burial ground is managed to promote wildflowers, with a specific mowing regime to encourage seasonal blooms. The warmer months, typically late spring and summer (May to July), are generally the best time to visit if you wish to see the burial ground adorned with wildflowers, adding to its natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere.

Yes, the Brigflatts Quaker Meeting House is generally open to individual visitors without prior arrangement. It typically operates from 10 am until 6 pm in summer and until dusk in winter. It's advisable to check for any specific closures or changes to hours, especially outside of peak seasons, though it aims to be welcoming to all.

Beyond the historical significance of the Burial Ground and Meeting House itself, the area is rich in Quaker history, being part of '1652 Country.' You can also find a piece of the Sedbergh market cross, where William Dewsbury preached in 1653, installed within the burial ground. The wider Rawthey Valley and the Yorkshire Dales offer stunning natural landscapes, viewpoints, and other historical sites for exploration.

The uniform size and shape of the headstones in the Brigflatts Quaker Burial Ground reflect the Quaker Equality Testimony. Early Quaker burial practices often involved unmarked graves to bear testimony against vanity and social distinction. When headstones were nationally sanctioned in 1850, Quakers adopted a simple, uniform style to maintain their principle of equality, ensuring no individual was commemorated with greater grandeur than another.

Public transport options directly to Brigflatts are limited due to its rural location. The nearest town with more frequent public transport links is Sedbergh. From Sedbergh, visitors would likely need to arrange for a taxi, or enjoy a scenic walk or cycle to reach the Quaker Burial Ground, which is a few miles away.