History Extra podcast A Victorian cult: inside the strange world of the Agapemone
Nov 27, 2024
Stuart Flinders, author of "A Very British Cult: Rogue Priests and the Abode of Love," delves into the eerie world of the Agapemonites, a 19th-century cult led by the enigmatic Henry James Prince. He shares chilling tales of financial exploitation, forced marriages, and the harrowing experiences of vulnerable members like the Nottage sisters. Flinders recounts dramatic rescue attempts and the community’s eventual decline, painting a vivid picture of both the allure and the dark shadows cast by this secretive group.
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The Agapemnonites' Belief
- The Agapemnonites, led by Henry James Prince, believed the Day of Judgment had arrived.
- They waited in a mansion called the Agapemone for their ascension to heaven.
Prince's Relationship with the Holy Spirit
- Henry James Prince, born into wealth, felt a close relationship with the Holy Spirit.
- This belief led to conflicts with the Church of England and the founding of the Agapemnonites.
Prince's Complex Character
- Prince was a complex figure, both a religious man and an opportunist.
- He exploited his followers' wealth and engaged in scandalous acts like the "Great Manifestation."
