York Quaker burials are coordinated by the Trustees of York Area Meeting, who are responsible for the upkeep of the burial grounds, maintaining records, and setting charges.
For enquiries please contact Brian Jardine.
Historic Grounds
During the 17th and 18th centuries, more than twenty Quaker burial grounds were established in the York area. As Quakers rejected the authority of the Church, they were denied burial in churchyards. In response, they created burial grounds on private land. Five of these historic sites remain in the ownership of the Religious Society of Friends.
The Retreat
York Area Meeting has maintained a Quaker burial ground at The Retreat in York since its establishment in 1855. Originally intended for the joint use of The Retreat and York Preparative Meeting, the burial ground remains available for burials, interments, and the scattering of ashes.
The Retreat is currently a building site. To access the Quaker burial ground please see Visiting the Retreat Burial Ground.
Bishophill Burial Ground
A historic Quaker burial ground, purchased in 1667, is located in Bishophill, York. It is the resting place of notable individuals such as John Woolman (a friend of Benjamin Franklin and an early advocate for the abolition of slavery), members of the Tuke family, and Lindley Murray, the grammarian.
Today, it is a tranquil garden adorned with lime trees, a terrace, and flower beds. The round-topped gravestones have been repositioned and fixed along the walls surrounding the garden. The site now forms part of the grounds of Tuke House, a residence for elderly people.
“Such uniformity is preserved … as may effectively guard against any distinction being made in that place between the rich and the poor.”
Quaker Faith and Practice, 15.20
Scotton Burial Ground
Scotton Burial Ground was established in 1670, when William and Edward Watkinson conveyed the land to the Friends' Trustees for use as a burial ground.
Scotton is available for unmarked ‘green’ burials and for the interment or scattering of ashes. This facility is open to Friends and Attenders from all five meetings within York Area Meeting.
Dacre
The burial ground at Dacre is maintained by the Nidderdale Chase Heritage Group. Ashes may be scattered here.
Thirsk
The burial ground at Thirsk is also used as a garden for the meeting. Ashes of those associated with the meeting may be scattered on the grounds.
For further information, see the Area Meeting leaflet Here
Do you have Quaker ancestors?
Follow the link to The Quaker Family History Society who encourage and assist anyone interested in tracing the history of Quaker families in the British Isles. https://newtrial.qfhs.co.uk/
Did you know? Quakers have held meticulous records since the 1600's which are kept in various libraries around the country. If your research is York based, we have our very own archivist who may be able to help. Contact archive@yorkquakers.org.uk