Born in Westmorland
Born in Bampton, Westmorland, in the heart of the region where the Quaker movement first took root.
AR
1634–1705 · Bampton, Westmorland
Ambrose Rigge
First-generation Friend who endured brutal Sussex persecutions
Life & Ministry
Convinced by Early Quaker Preaching
Came among Friends during the great northern campaign of the early 1650s, when Fox, Nayler, and others were convincing thousands in the north of England.
Persecutions in Sussex
Endured repeated imprisonments and brutal treatment in Sussex. The local magistrates were particularly harsh toward Quakers, and Rigge suffered physical damage that affected him for the rest of his life.
Publishes Warning on Commerce
Published 'A Brief and Serious Warning to Such as Are Concerned in Commerce and Trading,' offering practical counsel on honest dealing grounded in Quaker principles.
Death
Died in 1705, having witnessed the Toleration Act and the end of the worst persecutions. His life and writings were published in Friends' Library Vol. XII.
Connections & Relationships
GF
George Fox
Movement FounderRigge was convinced during the early northern campaign led by Fox. He became one of the first generation of Quaker ministers who carried the movement from Westmorland across England.
FH
Francis Howgill
Fellow Westmorland FriendHowgill was a fellow native of Westmorland and one of the most powerful ministers of the first generation. Both men were convinced in the same early period and endured severe persecution.
EB
Edward Burrough
Fellow First-Generation MinisterBurrough was another first-generation Quaker minister who died as a result of imprisonment. Like Rigge, he gave his health and ultimately his life for the movement.
Available Works
The Life and Writings of Ambrose Rigge
ProposedPublished in Friends' Library Vol. XII, this collection includes Rigge's autobiography and his most significant writings, documenting his brutal Sussex persecutions and his steadfast witness.
A Brief and Serious Warning to Such as Are Concerned in Commerce and Trading
ProposedA practical treatise on honest dealing in business, grounded in Quaker principles. Published in 1678, it reflects the Quaker concern for integrity in all aspects of life.
Constancy in the Truth Commended
ProposedA call to steadfastness in the faith, published in 1710 as part of his collected writings. It exhorts Friends to remain faithful to their principles despite opposition and temptation.