Originally published in the Bedford Independent 07.05.25
New exhibition: The Panacea Society and the Second World War
by Erica Roffe
A new social history exhibition has opened at the Panacea Museum this month, exploring the unseen story of this remarkable society and World War II.
The Society was enthusiastic about their commitment to the local war effort, provided it did not affect any properties that backed onto their Garden of Eden, particularly ‘Castleside’, the property the Society had prepared for the 24 Bishops to open Joanna Southcott’s Box.
Newspapers from the Archives of the Panacea Charitable Trust
Joanna Southcott’s Box
In 1804, Joanna Southcott had sealed a selection of her prophecies in a box and declared that it should only be opened in a time of national danger, by 24 bishops of the Church of England. Over the decades, this box was kept safe by her believers, ready for when the bishops requested it.
During the 1920s and 1930s, this unopened box remained central to the Society’s beliefs and activities – and for decades they continued to expect the bishops. In Bedford, the community made detailed preparations for the day the box would be opened.
A leaflet printed by the Panacea Society
Once the War started, they continued to petition the Bishops throughout. They also sought to protect their ‘Garden of Eden’ and actively engaged with the wider Bedford community.
End of times
A key belief of the Panacea Society was the ‘end of times’, after which the Second Coming of Christ would bring about a new age – a period of peace and happiness called the ‘Millennium’.
This new exhibition is a personal and very Panacean take on World War Two and its impact on Bedford, combining archives, photographs and research to highlight the previously unseen story of The Panacea Society and the Second World War.
The Panacea Museum is located in the heart of Bedford and tells the fascinating story of the Panacea Society, a secretive Christian group founded in 1919.
Panacea Society members burying blessed squares prior to WWII
The Society created its own ‘Garden of Eden,’ with a unique spiritual community in Bedford centred around the Victorian buildings that now house the displays.
The beautiful gardens surrounding the Museum are currently filled with blossoming trees, birds, butterflies and bees, and a stroll through the grounds is a highly recommended in addition to a visit to the museum.
There will be associated talks and events along with this special exhibition, details can be found here.
