Only in 1871, with the repeal of the Test Acts, were nonconformists allowed to attend universities in England and Wales and join the medical and legal professions. This ushered in a period, for some groups, of a closer relationship with the State where nonconformists could play their part in civic society as full citizens. The First World War fractured that relationship for those groups with issues surrounding the boundaries of State power, or opposed to war. Quakers, Jehovah’s Witnesses and Seventh Day Adventists are all known, amongst other nonconformist groups, for refusing to bear arms; their attitudes to Government changed particularly after the introduction of conscription in 1916.

However, while in terms of faith and belief, the stance seemed clear, religious organisations could be pragmatic and individual members took divergent paths. One third of eligible Quaker men joined the armed forces during the First World War, some served as non-combatants; others were imprisoned for their conscientious objection.  Nonconformist families were often divided over their responses to the War.

This conference is jointly organised by the Centre for Postgraduate Quaker Studies at Woodbrooke and the Quaker Studies Research Association.