Maldon has some fine Anglican churches which are often studied and written about, but it should be remembered that it also has a strong non-conformist tradition, with some interesting places of worship that don't get so much attention.

One of these is the Friends Meeting House in Butt Lane. This was built to replace an earlier (1707) building off the High Street. The current building was constructed in 1820 at a cost of £1,233.

The Quakers, or the Religious Society of Friends, was founded by George Fox in the 17th Century. They emphasised the 'priesthood of all believers' – i.e. that members could study the Bible for themselves and have a direct relationship with God.

Though ministers do exist, this grass-roots approach persists to this day, and many meeting houses have services led by the congregation – or conducted in silent meditation. Quakers are famous for their opposition to war, their social reforms including opposition to slavery, and their ethical approach to employee relations in their businesses.

Modern Quakers continue these values, but do not insist on adherence to any particular doctrine or conception of God.

In keeping with this, the Maldon Meeting House is a humble, simple affair, made of red brick with a slate roof. It was originally partitioned into two large rooms, for separate meetings of men and women, but when in 1863 integrated worship was introduced, the women's room was partitioned further for other purposes.

The interior reflects the simplicity of the outside, with no lavish church furnishings or decorations. Some of the simple benches are original.

The well-kept graveyard is also an attractive feature. The headstones follow a uniform size and style in keeping with Quaker practice. One grave records Lucy Hicks, who died in 1900, and who is also commemorated by the horse trough outside All Saints ('… a good mother who lived and died in this town 1864-1900').

Another burial is of Eric Baker (1920-1976) who was one of the founders of Amnesty International. In these troubled times, the peaceful values of the Friends are perhaps needed more than ever.