The Reformation of the English Parish Church

The first full-scale investigation of the dramatic material transformation of the English parish church during the English Reformation.

Robert Whiting (Author)

9781107460355, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 6 November 2014

328 pages, 60 b/w illus. 12 colour illus.
24.1 x 17 x 1.8 cm, 0.56 kg

'This book is meticulously researched and carries an excellent bibliography.' Journal of the Catholic Archives Society

In the sixteenth century, the people of England witnessed the physical transformation of their most valued buildings: their parish churches. This is the first ever full-scale investigation of the dramatic changes experienced by the English parish church during the English Reformation. By drawing on a wealth of documentary evidence, including court records, wills and church wardens' accounts, and by examining the material remains themselves - such as screens, fonts, paintings, monuments, windows and other artefacts - found in churches today, Robert Whiting reveals how, why and by whom these ancient buildings were transformed. He explores the reasons why Catholics revered the artefacts found in churches as well as why these objects became the subject of Protestant suspicion and hatred in subsequent years. This richly illustrated account sheds new light on the acts of destruction as well as the acts of creation that accompanied religious change over the course of the 'long' Reformation.

Introduction
PART I. RITUAL REQUIREMENTS: 1. Defining the spaces: screens
2. Presenting the sacrifices: altars
3. Washing the sins: fonts
4. Serving the sacraments: plate
5. Adorning the rites: cloth
6. Providing the words: books
7. Preserving the treasures: receptacles
PART II. ADDITIONAL COMPONENTS: 8. Depicting the faith: paintings
9. Lighting the darkness: glass
10. Embodying the holy: images
11. Creating the music: organs and bells
12. Conveying the message: pulpits and seats
13. Raising the levels: galleries
14. Recalling the dead: memorials
Conclusion.

Subject Areas: Church history [HRCC2], Early modern history: c 1450/1500 to c 1700 [HBLH], British & Irish history [HBJD1]