George Whitehead (Quaker leader) facts for kids

George Whitehead (1636–1723) was an important early Quaker leader. He was a preacher, a writer, and someone who worked to change laws. He is remembered for fighting for religious freedom in England. He spoke to three different kings to protect the rights of Quakers.

His efforts helped shape important laws like the Act of Uniformity, the Bill of Rights of 1689, and the Royal Declaration of Indulgence. George Whitehead also wrote books about his life and the Quaker way of living.

Early Life and Quaker Beliefs

George Whitehead was born in a place called Sunbiggin, near Orton, in Westmorland. By the time he was 14, he strongly believed in the ideas of the Quakers.

In 1652, when he was 16, he left home. He felt that he was called to preach. After preaching for a year in southern England, George became known as one of the "Valiant Sixty." These were brave Quaker preachers who traveled during a time when people were often punished for their religious beliefs. George Whitehead was one of the few teenagers among this group.

Facing Challenges as a Preacher

George Whitehead was often put in jail for his beliefs. His first time in prison was in 1654. He was visiting a church in Norwich and spoke to the people after the service. The mayor then jailed him for sharing ideas about baptism that were not allowed. When George went to court, he was sent back to jail because he did not take off his hat for the judge. Quakers believed they should not show special respect to anyone by removing their hats.

He was arrested again in May 1655. This happened after he was seen with a man who had put a religious message on a church door in Bures, Suffolk.

In 1656, George Whitehead was released from prison. This was thanks to Oliver Cromwell, a powerful leader, who helped him. However, George was also publicly whipped in Nayland and put in the stocks in Saffron Waldon.

Fighting for Religious Freedom

By 1660, George Whitehead had settled down. He was not in jail as much and preached less. He worked as a grocer in London to support his family.

Speaking to Parliament

In 1661, George was asked to join other Quakers to speak to the House of Commons. They wanted to stop a new law called the Act of Uniformity. This group was not successful, and the law passed the next year. This law caused nearly 2,000 church leaders to leave the English church.

Helping During Difficult Times

George Whitehead stayed in London during very hard times. In 1665, a terrible sickness called the plague spread. It killed almost 100,000 people in England. George prayed with dying Quakers during this time.

The next year, in 1666, the Great Fire of London happened. George again stayed in London to pray with those who were suffering.

Pardons from the King

In 1668, George was put in prison again after a Quaker meeting. This experience inspired him to start a new mission. George Whitehead led a group of Quakers to get a special pardon directly from King Charles II. This pardon was called the Royal Declaration of Indulgence. It ordered the release of 490 people from English jails who had been punished for their religion. This was a big step towards religious freedom in England.

On May 13, 1670, George married Anne Downer. She was an important supporter of Quakerism.

In May 1685, George, along with Alexander Parker and Gilbert Latey, spoke to King James II. They asked him to keep the promise made by King Charles II. The King then issued another declaration that pardoned more prisoners who were jailed for their religion. George's wife, Anne, died in 1686.

In 1689, George Whitehead led a group of men to speak with King William III. They asked for continued pardons and rights for people facing religious persecution. This meeting was successful. It helped the king create the Bill of Rights of 1689, which further protected people's rights.

George Whitehead passed away in 1723. He was buried in the Quaker Burying Ground in Bunhill Fields. He rests near George Fox, another founder of the Quaker movement.

Published Works

In 1716, George Whitehead put together a collection of writings by James Nayler. The book was called A Collection of Sundry Books, Epistles, and Papers Written by James Nayler, Some of Which Were Never Before Printed: with an Impartial Relation of the Most Remarkable Transactions Relating to His Life. However, George left out some of Nayler's more debated works and changed parts of the text. This happened after the death of George Fox, who had not wanted any of Nayler's writings to be re-published.