Research into the Society of Friends (Quakers) over the past century has provided an insight into one of the most fascinating religious communities, which originated in the turmoil of the Civil War years and Interregnum. These mainly regional studies have woven a tapestry and illustrate how Friends lived and died. This book extends current scholarship on the Quakers by examining Friends in Wales, especially in Monmouthshire in the period c.1654-1836 evaluating the importance of women within the movement, and the resilience necessary in the face of persecution where members were regularly distrained of their goods, unfairly taxed, fined or imprisoned. Quaker Communities assesses the lives of Friends, notably how education, careers, and marriage, were determined by a code of conduct. In conclusion, the book explores reasons for the decline of Quakerism in England and Wales. 'The detailed research that has gone into this book make it fascinating for anyone interested in the history of rural Wales.'Ronald Watts.