Whiteway Colony

Natuurmensen 1924, SFA022820640

Whiteway Colony was a utopian community established in 1898 in Gloucestershire, England. It was founded by a group of Tolstoyan anarchists who sought to create a society based on the principles of Leo Tolstoy, particularly his ideas on nonviolence, communal living, and self-sufficiency.

History

The colony was initiated by a group of individuals inspired by the writings of Leo Tolstoy, particularly his book The Kingdom of God Is Within You. The founders included John Coleman Kenworthy, Samuel Veale Bracher, and other like-minded individuals who were disillusioned with the industrial society of the time. They purchased a piece of land in the Cotswolds and began to build a community based on anarchist and pacifist principles.

Principles and Lifestyle

The residents of Whiteway Colony aimed to live in harmony with nature and each other. They practiced vegetarianism, simple living, and communal ownership of property. The colony was known for its egalitarian structure, where decisions were made collectively, and there was no formal leadership.

The community members built their own homes, grew their own food, and engaged in various forms of craftsmanship and manual labor. They also emphasized education and self-improvement, often holding discussions and lectures on various topics.

Challenges and Changes

Despite its noble ideals, Whiteway Colony faced numerous challenges. The harsh living conditions, internal conflicts, and external pressures made it difficult for the community to sustain itself. Over time, the strict adherence to Tolstoyan principles relaxed, and the colony evolved to accommodate a more diverse range of beliefs and lifestyles.

In the mid-20th century, the colony saw an influx of new residents who were not necessarily aligned with the original Tolstoyan ideals. This led to further changes in the community's structure and practices.

Legacy

Whiteway Colony remains a unique experiment in communal living and anarchism. It has inspired other intentional communities and continues to be a subject of interest for scholars studying utopian societies and alternative lifestyles. The colony still exists today, albeit in a much-altered form, and serves as a reminder of the enduring appeal of utopian ideals.

See also

• Utopian socialism
• Intentional community
• Anarchism in the United Kingdom
• Leo Tolstoy
• Vegetarianism