**History of Vegetarian Society:**
– The Vegetarian Society was formed in the 19th century in Britain.
– Key figures in its formation included Francis William Newman, Isaac Pitman, William Gibson Ward, and John Davie.
– Various groups promoting meat-free diets were instrumental in its establishment.
**Founding Groups and Influences:**
– Bible Christian Church founded by Reverend William Cowherd in 1809 promoted ovo-lacto vegetarianism.
– Concordium (Alcott House) near London, opened in 1838, advocated a vegan diet free of all animal products.
– The Truth-Tester journal and the 1847 Physiological Conference played significant roles in proposing and establishing the Vegetarian Society.
**Organizational Structure and Development:**
– The Ramsgate Conference in 1847 officially named the Vegetarian Society with James Simpson as president.
– A split in 1888 led to the formation of the London Vegetarian Society, alongside the Manchester Vegetarian Society (MVS).
– In the 20th century, the society focused on public education and collaborated with other groups to promote healthy eating.
**Evolution and Rebranding:**
– The Vegetarian Society underwent a rebranding in 2024, introducing a new logo, magazine, and website.
– Over the years, the society published various journals, with Beatrice Lindsay being the first female editor of the Dietetic Reformer and Vegetarian Messenger.
**Current Initiatives and Impact:**
– The Vegetarian Society is now a campaigning charity and launched the Vegetarian Society Approved vegan trademark in 2017.
– Notable figures associated with the society include Carol J. Adams, Suzanne M. Babich, William Alcott, Ernest Bell, and Henry Stephens Salt.
The Vegetarian Society of the United Kingdom is a British registered charity which was established on 30 September 1847 to promote vegetarianism.
Vegetarian Society of the United Kingdom | |
 Interior of Northwood Villa, where the Vegetarian Society was founded in 1847 | |
| Formation | 30 September 1847 |
|---|---|
| Founded at | Ramsgate, Kent, England |
| Merger of | London Vegetarian Society Manchester Vegetarian Society |
| Type | Charity |
| Registration no. | 259358 |
| Legal status | Charity |
| Purpose | Vegetarianism |
| Headquarters | Manchester, United Kingdom |
Region | United Kingdom |
| Methods | Information, support |
| Website | www |
| Vegetarian Society Approved | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Effective region | United Kingdom |
| Website | vegsoc.org |