THE first of what is hoped will become an annual event is being held in Malton to celebrate the work of the Quakers and the birth of the movement in the town.

Quakers, the Religious Society of Friends, was first created in Malton in 1651, when founder, George Fox, preached after which a group of about 200 protested about the then growing inequalities in society by burning their silks and ribbons in the Market Square.

Chris Newsam, a local Quaker member, said: "This protest gained national notoriety and many local people embraced the Quaker message of the equality of all people and became Friends, as Quakers are called.

"The authorities, both secular and religious, tried to clamp down on this fledgling religion, viewing it as a threat or even as witchcraft, but from this early start, and despite bitter persecution, their unique message and style of worship spread rapidly."

Chris said that today the story of Malton early Quakers was largely unknown and forgotten as are the names of two local people who were among the many who suffered extensive persecution, Jane Holmes and Roger Hebden.

"Jane suffered being immersed into the River Derwent, strapped into the ducking stool and then later being incarcerated in York Castle prison for many months even though she was very unwell, probably as a result of nearly drowning in the river," he said.

"Roger Hebden, draper of Malton, was imprisoned on a number of occasions as well as having his goods sequestered for refusing to pay the church tithes, holding illegal meetings and sedition.

"Quakers became well known traders and merchants in Malton and can be said to have been the backbone of much of the day-to-day commerce of the town over the following centuries - successful largely because they were recognised for their honesty and fair trading practices.

"Some might know of or have connections to some of these families; for example the Taylor's, Pickerings, Priestmans, Rowntrees and the Hurtleys."

Although Quaker meetings were forbidden, and attendance often came at great risk, they occupied and attended their own Meeting House in Spital Street from 1677 - the original wall of this building can still be seen at the rear of Sainsbury's car park - where they met together until constructing their current Georgian building in Greengate in 1823.

Chris said: "This Meeting House, walled garden and burial ground is now nationally listed as being a specially important building and is one of the hidden gems of Malton."

The festival, which runs from Sunday to Tuesday intends to answer questions about the Quakers, such as who they are today and what Quakers believe.

"From a small group in the 1650s this group became leaders in abolishing slavery, prison reform and winning the Nobel Piece prize in 1947," added Chris.

"They became instrumental in the development of the railways, in pioneering and promoting good working and living conditions for workers, even constructing model villages and promoting and designing the original Garden Cities.

"Do come and meet us, enjoy our Georgian Meeting House and garden, explore our exhibition, ask questions, and if you would like to, experience a short period of Quaker stillness and worship with us. You are warmly invited to one or both of our events'.

The first event will be held on Sunday, from 12.30pm to 3pm, and will start with a buffet lunch followed by a look at exhibitions of Quaker work for peace and justice, and Quakers' influence in the world, a short talk on the history of Quakers in Malton, chat with local Quakers about the Quaker Way and opportunity to join in with a short time of stillness and quiet worship.

On Tuesday, a Quaker Quest Evening will be held starting at 6.30pm with soup and sandwiches, and will include an opportunity to explore the Quaker Way in an informal and relaxed setting experience of Quaker worship

All events are free and open to all and will be held at the Friend's Meeting House, Greengate, Malton.

For more information find the Malton Quakers on Facebook, /FB.me/maltonq go to pandhquakers.org.uk or phone Janice Every on 01944 728127.