Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, "Fox, George" to "France" Volume 10, Slice 7

A vivid portrait unfolds of a young man from rural Leicestershire whose restless spirit set him on a path far from the ordinary life of a 17th‑century apprentice. From his early days helping his father in a wool‑and‑sheep trade, the narrative traces the moments that sparked his inner turmoil—a fateful night at a tavern, a sleepless vigil, and a sudden, solemn vow to break all familiar ties.

Through his wandering years, he moves from town to town, seeking counsel from scholars and clergy, only to find their guidance shallow. As his doubts deepen, he experiences a series of revelatory insights that reshuffle his understanding of faith, education, and the very nature of divine presence. These formative experiences lay the groundwork for the revolutionary ideas that will later define the Society of Friends.