The Rowntree History Series and the Growth of Liberal Quakerism

This dissertation explores how some leading Quakers in the period 1895-1925 promoted liberal views within the Religious Society of Friends in Britain and the U.S.A. It focuses on the use of denominational history as a medium through which to transmit these ideas, in particular on the Rowntree History Series. I argue that the Rowntree History Series played a vitally important role in the construction of Liberal Quaker identity throughout this period: I focus on the attitudes of influential Quakers John Wilhelm Rowntree, Rufus Jones and William Charles Braithwaite in order to demonstrate that the Rowntree History Series was presented to enable Liberal Quakers to affirm Quaker tradition whilst at the same time justifying fundamental theological changes. I therefore conclude that the Rowntree History Series can be primarily understood as an intended resource for education and preparation for ministry.