From the sublime to the meticulous : a reappraisal of the changing roles of women within the Quaker Movement in England through the establishment of separate women's meetings in the 1670s

Quakerism emerged as one of the radical sects of the English Civil War years. Following the 16th century Reformation, radical Protestants and mainstream Protestants all over Europe could be distinguished very largely by their contrasting attitude to the existing political systems and social structures in which they operated. Mainstream Protestant churches, such as Calvinists, Lutherans, Anglicans and Scottish Presbyterians came to terms with the institutions shaping society by entering into an official relationship with the State. The multifarious strands of radical Protestantism were united only in their general opposition to the State. Some, including Quakers, experienced a militant or activist phase during which they pressured governments with demands for reform or even attempted to precipitate revolution. Ultimately most of these sects became reconciled to considering themselves a godly remnant within an evil society, and concentrated on preserving internal purity.