Our lovely old meeting house with timbered walls and Horsham stone roof was built around 1580. It has had a chequered history of use and neglect. William Penn was both a founder of this meeting house as well as Pennsylvania in the United States.

Why Blue Idol?

The origin of the name Blue Idol remains a bit of a mystery. It is possible that it was once painted with a blue wash and was left empty or 'idle' from 1793 until 1869. In 1923 the building was enlarged as a guest house but now provides two separate homes.

The Meeting House Garden

This beautiful, peaceful, natural garden is open every day. A recent addition is the William Penn Memorial Garden, a walk which encourages quiet contemplation of William Penn's life and achievements. The old barn is a medieval timber framed building, older than the Meeting House. The attached art studio is used by one of our members and his sculptures can be seen in the garden.

William Penn School

This primary school for 5 to 11 year olds is in Coolham and is run jointly by West Sussex County council and Quakers and is the only Quaker primary school in the country.