Born in Oxfordshire
Born into a respectable gentry family with Puritan leanings. His early education was at home with a private tutor.
Thomas Ellwood
1639–1713 · Crowell, Oxfordshire
Poet, Friend of Fox, Editor of the Journal
"And I heard a voice which said to me, 'There went I, and there went Truth.'" — Thomas Ellwood
Life & Ministry
Attends Oxford
Briefly attended Lincoln College, Oxford, but found the atmosphere spiritually barren. He was expelled for attending unauthorized meetings.
Meets George Fox
Invited by a neighbor to meet a 'notable person.' He found Fox, fresh from prison, and was immediately convinced.
Becomes Fox's Scribe
Ellwood's excellent handwriting and education made him invaluable. He began taking dictation from Fox and helping with correspondence.
The 'Quaker' Origin Story
Ellwood claimed he coined the term 'Quakers'—or at least popularized it—based on Fox's instruction to 'quake at the word of the Lord.'
Writes 'Davideis'
His epic poem on the life of David was dedicated to William Penn. It shows Quakerism's engagement with classical literature.
Suggests 'Paradise Regained'
Visiting his neighbor John Milton (now blind), Ellwood suggested the follow-up to Paradise Lost: a poem about Christ's temptation in the wilderness.
Begins Fox's Journal
Persuaded Fox to dictate his life story. Ellwood organized, transcribed, and edited the massive work over several years.
Writes His Own Autobiography
'The History of the Life of Thomas Ellwood' is a beautifully written account of Quaker life, including portraits of Fox, Penn, and Milton.
Publishes Fox's Journal
After Fox's death, Ellwood completed the editing and saw the Journal into print. It would become the foundational text of Quakerism.
Death of His Wife Jane
Ellwood's wife Jane died, leaving him grief-stricken. His poetry from this period shows deep sorrow and faith.
Death at Age 74
Died at his home in Chalfont St. Peter. By then he had helped shape Quaker literature more than any writer except Fox himself.
Connections & Relationships
George Fox
Friend & SubjectMet in 1659; became Fox's close companion and scribe. His transcription and editing of the Journal was his life's greatest work.
William Penn
Neighbor & FriendPenn owned neighboring estates. Ellwood transcribed No Cross, No Crown while Penn was imprisoned; they frequently collaborated.
JM
John Milton
Neighboring PoetThe blind poet lived near Ellwood. Their friendship is famous—Ellwood suggested Paradise Regained and read to Milton daily.
JB
John Bunyan
ContemporaryThough Bunyan was a Baptist and Ellwood a Quaker, both wrote spiritual autobiographies that defined 17th-century English prose.
Available Works
The History of the Life of Thomas Ellwood
Modernizing NowHis famous autobiography—witty, literary, and spiritually profound. Contains the best first-hand accounts of Fox, Penn, and Milton.
The Journal of George Fox (as editor)
Available NowEllwood's editorial work on Fox's Journal preserved early Quaker history. The modernized edition notes his contributions.
Davideis and Other Poems
ProposedEllwood's poetry shows a Quaker imagination engaging with classical forms. A selection of his verse is planned for future publication.