The history of the Quakers is brought to life with an exhibition throughout August at Peckover House.

Cambs Times: Peckover Quaker exhibitionPeckover Quaker exhibition (Image: Copyright: Barry Giddings)

August is traditionally the month for exhibitions at the National Trust’s Wisbech venue with a different aspect of the house’s history being explored each year.

This year it’s the turn of the history of Quaker service.

The Peckovers were staunch Quakers, which meant they had a very simple lifestyle - yet at the same time they ran a successful private bank.

“The Quakers stance as conscientious objectors during wartime is well documented,” said House Manager Ben Rickett, “but less well known is the valuable and selfless work they have carried out to help the victims of war and other catastrophes.”

Cambs Times: Peckover Quaker exhibitionPeckover Quaker exhibition (Image: Copyright: Barry Giddings)

Following the recent VE Day and World War I commemorations, this exhibition continues the war theme, but also explains how the work of the ‘Friends’, as Quakers are often known, goes on, bringing relief to war-torn areas, or to any region where aid or repatriation is needed.

The exhibition, which has been put together by Jenny Carson from the Humanitarian Response Unit at Manchester University, will show all aspects of their work from Ireland’s great hunger in the 1840s to Vietnam in the 1970s.

There will also be an exhibit from Leighton School in Berkshire, a Quaker school who have their own story to tell about the impact of wartime on students and staff.

There is no extra admission charge for the exhibition, which runs throughout August, from 12 noon to last admission at 4pm. For further information please telephone Peckover House on 01945 583463.

Cambs Times: Peckover Quaker exhibitionPeckover Quaker exhibition (Image: Copyright: Barry Giddings)