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More than two hundred and fifty men in Nottinghamshire went on record as 'conscientious objectors' during World War One and the single largest group were Quakers.

Around fifty applied for exemption from compulsory military service, because pacifism is one of the core principles of this religious group, also known as the Society of Friends. Many went on to join the 'Friends Ambulance Unit' instead, preferring to give humanitarian and medical support rather than take up arms, although a number did serve time in prison for their refusal.

There were two Quaker meeting houses in Nottinghamshire at the time of the war, one on Friar Lane in Nottingham and the other in Mansfield. There was never an automatic right to be a conscientious objector. The usual procedure for a man wanting to have an exemption was to apply to a local tribunal. There they were questioned and their consciences tested for conviction and sincerity. Tribunals varied enormously and in Nottinghamshire many men had their application rejected.

The most common reason for registering as a conscientious objector in Nottinghamshire was religious, according to a list compiled by retired University Lecturer, Cyril Pearce. He's collected data on more than sixteen thousand men across Britain which shows Christadelpians, Jews, Methodist, Baptists and Anglicans making a stand against enlistment, alongside the Quakers in the county.

Some were opposed because of the Biblical command that says; 'Thou Shalt not Kill', while others – like the Christadelpians – were resistant to join the military of any country. Whatever their reason, strong public support for the war meant that to become a conscientious objector in Britain was a difficult decision and men who took this stand were often viewed with suspicion and dislike.

Location: Nottingham NG1 6ED
Image: Friar Lane Friends Meeting House, courtesy of the Meeting House

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