Conflicts within the established church in Warwickshire c. 1603-1642
This thesis examines the established church in Warwickshire from the accession of James I to the outbreak of the English civil war. Its principal aim is to assess the impact of the ecclesiastical policies of Charles I, which have been the subject of considerable debate between historians in recent years. The thesis argues that significant changes occurred in the local church during the 1630s. These were broadly in line with the policies of Archbishop William Laud, who sought to promote an institutional and sacramental style of worship, and to suppress the activity of Protestant nonconformists. In Warwickshire, these policies led to the promotion of ceremonial religion and the renovation and redecoration of parish churches. There was also an increase in the prosecution of Puritans in the church courts. However, the success of these policies was limited by various factors: the attitudes of the local bishops, the practical problems of enforcing discipline, and the resilience of the Puritan community. The thesis examines the impact of Laud's policies on the county as a whole, and on particular groups within the local church. It also presents case-studies of religion in the towns of Coventry and Stratford-upon-Avon.
Oldridge, Darren
BX Christian Denominations ; DA Great Britain
Conflicts within the established church in Warwickshire c. 1603-1642. This thesis examines the established church in Warwickshire from the accession of James I to the outbreak of the English civil war. Its principal aim is to assess the impact of the ecclesiastical policies of Charles I, which have been the subject of considerable debate between historians in recent years. The thesis argues that significant changes occurred in the local church during the 1630s. These were broadly in line with the policies of Archbishop William Laud, who sought to promote an institutional and sacramental style of worship, and to suppress the activity of Protestant nonconformists. In Warwickshire, these policies led to the promotion of ceremonial religion and the renovation and redecoration of parish churches. There was also an increase in the prosecution of Puritans in the church courts. However, the success of these policies was limited by various factors: the attitudes of the local bishops, the practical problems of enforcing discipline, and the resilience of the Puritan community. The thesis examines the impact of Laud's policies on the county as a whole, and on particular groups within the local church. It also presents case-studies of religion in the towns of Coventry and Stratford-upon-Avon.
conflicts within establish church warwickshire examines establish church warwickshire accession james outbreak english civil_war principal_aim assess_impact ecclesiastical policy charles subject_considerable debate historian argue significant_change occur local_church broadly line policy archbishop william laud seek promote institutional sacramental style worship suppress activity protestant nonconformist warwickshire policy_lead promotion ceremonial religion renovation parish_church also increase prosecution church_court however success policy limit various_factor attitude local bishop practical problem enforce discipline resilience puritan community examines_impact laud policy county whole particular_group within local_church also_present case_studies religion town coventry