The reformation of religion in Freebridge Marshland, Norfolk, with special reference to Tilney All Saints, circa 1500-1580
The Marshland region of Norfolk, the area between Wisbech and King's Lynn, is well known for its magnificent medieval churches, yet has received little attention from historians. This thesis describes the changing nature of religion in Marshland between about 1500 and 1580, focusing on the impact of official religious reform. Chapter One, 'Introduction to Marshland,' describes the geographical, social and economic characteristics of the twelve parishes which made up Marshland, providing the background against which religious reform took place. It argues that while the area was a distinctive one, Marshland inhabitants had strong links with the port of King's Lynn and beyond, and were not isolated from county or national events. Chapter Two, 'The Religion of Marshland,' introduces the network of religious institutions and practices which existed in late medieval Marshland. It describes Marshland gilds, religious orders, the relationship between laity and clergy, and potential opportunities for lay involvement. Attention is given to the nature of parish administration, employing surviving churchwardens' accounts for Tilney All Saints. This chapter argues that the inhabitants of Marshland had evolved a rich and
Galloway, Barendina Martha
Medieval; Church; Churches
The reformation of religion in Freebridge Marshland, Norfolk, with special reference to Tilney All Saints, circa 1500-1580. The Marshland region of Norfolk, the area between Wisbech and King's Lynn, is well known for its magnificent medieval churches, yet has received little attention from historians. This thesis describes the changing nature of religion in Marshland between about 1500 and 1580, focusing on the impact of official religious reform. Chapter One, 'Introduction to Marshland,' describes the geographical, social and economic characteristics of the twelve parishes which made up Marshland, providing the background against which religious reform took place. It argues that while the area was a distinctive one, Marshland inhabitants had strong links with the port of King's Lynn and beyond, and were not isolated from county or national events. Chapter Two, 'The Religion of Marshland,' introduces the network of religious institutions and practices which existed in late medieval Marshland. It describes Marshland gilds, religious orders, the relationship between laity and clergy, and potential opportunities for lay involvement. Attention is given to the nature of parish administration, employing surviving churchwardens' accounts for Tilney All Saints. This chapter argues that the inhabitants of Marshland had evolved a rich and
reformation religion norfolk special_reference saints circa region norfolk area king well_know medieval_church yet_receive little_attention historian describes change_nature religion focus impact official religious_reform introduction describes geographical_social economic characteristic twelve parish make provide_background religious_reform take_place argues area distinctive strong_link port king beyond isolated county national event religion introduce network religious institution_practice exist late_medieval describes religious_order relationship laity clergy potential opportunity lay involvement attention_give nature parish administration employ survive churchwarden account saints argue inhabitant evolve rich