The Stranger in Our Midst

The Stranger in Our Midst by Peter Grace tells the story of the Cotswold Bruderhof, a Christian communal group of mainly German-speaking refugees who settled near Cirencester before and during World War II. The book tracks how the Bruderhof developed out of post-World War I Germany, driven by pacifist and communal ideals led by Eberhard and Emmy Arnold.

Facing persecution under Nazi Germany for their beliefs, many members fled, setting up communities first in Liechtenstein and later in England. The book covers their purchase of farms like Ashton Fields and Oaksey Manor, the local reactions (some welcoming, some suspicious), and how they tried to live self-sufficiently while staying true to their pacifist, communal values during a time of growing nationalism and war.

The book is made available here as a PDF from scans of an original typed manuscript.
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