In the early 1600s, an Anglican religious community was established by members of the Ferrar family in the small English village of Little Gidding. Though the community was informally organized and did not require its members to take vows, it was still the object of controversy, as many critics regarded it as a kind of Anglican monastery that bore a strong resemblance to Catholic orders. This historical analysis of the Little Gidding community focuses on the Ferrar family's contributions and the activities and charitable works of the group.