Born (Probable)
Little is known of Turford's early life. He was likely born around 1640, making him a contemporary of the second wave of Friends who were convinced in the 1660s and 1670s.
d. 1713 · Bristol, England
Hugh Turford
Author of an enduring small devotional classic
“The grounds of a holy life are laid in the heart, not in the head.” — Hugh Turford
Life & Ministry
Convinced and Joins Friends
Came among Friends during the period of intense persecution following the Restoration. Bristol was one of the strongest Quaker centers in England, and its meetings endured severe sufferings.
Active in Bristol Meeting
Became an active member of the Bristol Quaker community, which included notable Friends like Charles Marshall and other pastoral writers.
Pastoral Writing
Began writing practical devotional material aimed at helping ordinary Friends maintain a faithful spiritual life amidst the demands of daily work and family.
End of Persecution
The Toleration Act of 1689 ended the worst of the persecutions. Turford witnessed the Society's transition from a persecuted sect to a tolerated religious community.
Publishes The Grounds of a Holy Life
Published his most enduring work, a short, clear guide to living a Spirit-led life. The book was immediately popular among Friends and was reprinted frequently for the next century.
Death
Died in or around 1713. His Grounds of a Holy Life continued to be reprinted and circulated among Friends long after his death, becoming a staple of Quaker devotional libraries.
Connections & Relationships
CM
Charles Marshall
Fellow Bristol FriendMarshall was a fellow Bristol Quaker and pastoral writer. Both men contributed to the practical devotional literature that sustained Friends during and after the period of persecution.
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Stephen Crisp
Kindred Pastoral VoiceLike Crisp, Turford wrote in the gentle, practical, pastoral register that made Quaker devotional literature accessible and beloved among ordinary Friends.
Available Works
The Grounds of a Holy Life
ProposedFirst published in 1702 and frequently reprinted into the nineteenth century, this short devotional classic is a clear, practical statement of how to walk in the Spirit -- plain enough for any reader and deep enough for the most experienced Friend.