AN ancient Quaker building between Bolton Abbey and Addingham will soon be open to members of the public this summer.

Farfield Friends Meeting House was built in 1689 and is a rare legacy of the foundings of Quaker religion in the area.

Historic relics include an ancient graveyard containing tombs built by a Quaker family who defied their superiors' decree that 'table' tombs were too ostentatious.

Other ancient features such as old benches, where 'elders' used to hold forth, remain intact inside the building.

Now a glimpse into its austere past will be given to visitors on July 10, when they will be greeted by a traditional Quaker yeoman when the doors open at 3pm.

And with a visit of the Yorkshire Dales Society planned for the same day, the Farfield Old Quaker Meeting House Group, which looks after the building, is looking forward to opening the doors.

David Hickson, convenor of the group and a member of Ilkley Friends Meeting, said: "It's a very tiny, historic relic which is very much a curiosity, and a local landmark."

A steady trickle of visitors has been going to the building since the group decided earlier this year to allow people access.

Although it remains locked, anyone who wants to visit the building can obtain the key.

Ground-breaking Historic Chapels Trust owns the building, and aims to preserve places of worship in England of outstanding historical value.

The London-based group is an offshoot of English Heritage, which aims to preserve historical buildings and make them accessible to the public.

But unlike the splendour of nearby Bolton Abbey, Farfield Friends Meeting House is somewhat off the beaten track, and Mr Hickson believes that a deeply poignant appeal lies within its walls.

He added: "The impact is its simplicity, which was a reflection of the Quaker way as it was then and now.

"This is shown in the old benches, the roof and the history of the people who built it and used it.

"There are no statues and decorations or stained glass windows. Its stark simplicity will last as people go in and sit quietly."

Farfield Friends Meeting House will also be open in the afternoon on August 15 and September 12. Jean Spencer, who has the key to the building, can be contacted on: 01756 710225.

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