Tabletites

The Tabletites were a separatist group that emerged in South Wales during the 18th century. They were primarily composed of Nonconformist Anglicans who disagreed with the Church of England's policies and practices. The name "Tabletites" was given to them due to their practice of separating the Lord's Supper, where a communion tablet was used to signify those who were eligible to receive communion.

The Tabletites emphasized the importance of biblical practice and believed that the Church of England had strayed from its principles. They advocated for a simpler, more literal interpretation of Christian teachings and rejected many of the church's traditions. This led to conflicts with the local clergy and church authorities, who saw the Tabletites as a threat to their authority.

In 1726, a split occurred within the group, with some Tabletites aligning themselves with the sabbatarians, who observed the Seventh-day Sabbath. This further fragmented the group, and by the mid-18th century, the Tabletites had largely disbanded. However, their influence can be seen in later Welsh Methodist and Baptist movements, which shared similar views on biblical practice and simplicity.

The Tabletites played a significant role in the development of Nonconformist movements in Wales during the 18th century. Their emphasis on biblical practice and their rejection of church traditions contributed to the growth of independent, non-denominational churches in the region. Despite their eventual decline, the Tabletites left a lasting impact on Welsh religious history.