Quakerism

The Society of Friends (better known as Quakers) originated in mid-17th-century England. The Library and Archives collections include books from Friends Meeting Houses, plus papers from notable York Quakers and from the Society of Friends.

Society of Friends collection

Nonconformity and philanthropy from the 18th-century onwards are the main strengths of this collection.

The Sessions Book Trust collection

Local history, Quakerism and the history of the book trade are the main strengths of the Sessions Book Trust Collection.

The Retreat collection

The York Retreat psychiatric hospital was founded in 1796, by and for the Society of Friends.

Archival collections

The Borthwick Institute for Archives holds some archival material relating to Quakerism and Nonconformity.