Bradford Friends Meetinghouse facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Bradford Friends Meetinghouse
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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![]() Bradford Friends Meetinghouse, December 2009
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Location | Eastern side of Northbrook Road in Marshallton, West Bradford Township, Pennsylvania |
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Area | 12.1 acres (4.9 ha) |
Built | 1764-1765 |
NRHP reference No. | 71000694 |
Added to NRHP | July 27, 1971 |
The Bradford Friends Meetinghouse, also known as the Marshallton Meeting House, is a very old and important building in Marshallton, Pennsylvania. It's a special place where Quakers, a religious group, used to meet. This stone building was built a long time ago, between 1764 and 1765.
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What is the Bradford Friends Meetinghouse?
The Bradford Friends Meetinghouse is a historic building in West Bradford Township, Pennsylvania. It's made of stone and has a sloped roof, called a gable roof. In the 1800s, a porch was added to two sides of the building.
A Look Inside
Inside, the meetinghouse is divided into four rooms. This is a bit unusual, as most meeting houses only had two main rooms. This design allowed for different groups or activities to happen at the same time.
Who Were the Quakers?
The Quakers are a religious group also known as the Religious Society of Friends. They believe in finding God's spirit within themselves and others. They are known for their peaceful ways and for working for fairness and equality. Quakers often meet in simple buildings called "meeting houses." These places are designed for quiet reflection and community gatherings.
How It All Began
The idea for this meetinghouse started in the 1720s. A man named Abraham Marshall was very important in setting up the Quaker meeting in this area. He was the father of a famous botanist named Humphry Marshall. From 1722 to 1727, the Quaker group met at Abraham Marshall's home, which was called Derbydown Homestead. Later, they built the meetinghouse we see today.
A Special Historic Place
Because of its history and unique architecture, the Bradford Friends Meetinghouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. This means it's recognized as an important historical site in the United States. It is also part of the larger Marshallton Historic District, which includes many other old and interesting buildings in the area.