ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the extent to which North-East Quakers constituted a separate and distinct community in the long eighteenth century. If the Society was to uphold the principles upon which it was founded, it had to construct a counter culture to the burgeoning consumer society of the eighteenth century. The chapter discusses the North-East Quaker community and their response to the rise of consumerism offers a new perspective upon the existence and workings of a counter culture. The intention is to explore the divergence between popular culture and Quaker beliefs in the North-East of England in the long eighteenth century, and consider whether the disciplinary code was indeed justified. A Society whose moral code penalised inappropriate dress, non-attendance at meetings, and intemperance, was bound to actively condemn any sexual misconduct. The Foxian vision of an alternative community of believers, who rejected the paraphernalia of the parish church and society, was rooted in the importance of simplicity and plainness.
