Little Gidding Community

In the early 1600s, during the days of King James, two young Christian men in England, Nicholas Ferrar and George Herbert, were inspired with a vision to start a Christian community in England, whose worship would follow the services set forth in the Book of Common Prayer. Following through on their vision, Nicholas Ferrar purchased the manor house and nearby chapel in the English countryside at a place called Little Gidding.

At Little Gidding, Nicholas Ferrar established a Christian community, where he was joined by his mother, brother and sister, together with their families. The adults, teenagers, and children alike shared in the daily prayers and Bible reading.

George Herbert, who is best known for his superb spiritual English poetry, remained in constant touch with Nicholas, and he regularly visited the community at Little Gidding. He eventually became an ordained Anglican minister, choosing to pastor a small country parish.