Born in Lancashire
Born in Lancashire, England, in the region where Quakerism first took root and spread rapidly in the early 1650s.
1651–1695 · Lancashire, England
Mary Mollineux
The foremost poet of early Quakerism
“In retirement the soul finds its deepest communion with the Divine.” — Mary Mollineux
Life & Ministry
Convinced and Begins Writing
Joined the Society of Friends and began composing devotional poetry and prose, drawing on the contemplative tradition of Quaker worship.
Marriage to Henry Mollineux
Married Henry Mollineux, a fellow Friend. The couple settled in Liverpool, where Mary continued her devotional writing.
Devotional Writing in Retirement
Composed the poems and meditations that would be collected in Fruits of Retirement, working in the quiet contemplative spirit that characterized mature Quaker devotion.
Death
Died in 1695 at age forty-four. Her Fruits of Retirement was published posthumously in 1702 and went through multiple editions.
Available Works
Fruits of Retirement
ProposedThe most important volume of poetry by an early Quaker woman, published posthumously in 1702 and reprinted many times through the eighteenth century.