The worlds of Arthur Hildersham (1563-1632)
This thesis seeks to explore the various worlds of early modern spirituality through the lens of one important and influential figure, Arthur Hildersham. Using diocesan, parish, and national records, and a close study of Hildershamâs printed works, it traces the story of one strand of Englandâs parallel Reformations. Hildershamâs long association with the parish of Ashby-de-la-Zouch provides the opportunity to examine the progress of the puritan Reformation in a particular locality over an extended period. His role as a godly pastor, and the message he delivered to his people, are considered. The thesis attempts to show that the effect of puritanism within a parish community was not necessarily divisive or unpopular, particularly when it was promulgated for many years and supported by a godly patron. Hildershamâs participation in networks of godly sociability and movements for further reformation illustrate how powerful and wide-reaching such associations could be. As an archetype of âJacobethanâ nonseparating nonconformity, Hildershamâs career supplies a focus for looking at shifting configurations of conformity and orthodoxy. His ambivalent relationship with the ecclesiastical establishment,
Rowe, Lesley Ann
BR Christianity ; DA Great Britain
The worlds of Arthur Hildersham (1563-1632). This thesis seeks to explore the various worlds of early modern spirituality through the lens of one important and influential figure, Arthur Hildersham. Using diocesan, parish, and national records, and a close study of Hildershamâs printed works, it traces the story of one strand of Englandâs parallel Reformations. Hildershamâs long association with the parish of Ashby-de-la-Zouch provides the opportunity to examine the progress of the puritan Reformation in a particular locality over an extended period. His role as a godly pastor, and the message he delivered to his people, are considered. The thesis attempts to show that the effect of puritanism within a parish community was not necessarily divisive or unpopular, particularly when it was promulgated for many years and supported by a godly patron. Hildershamâs participation in networks of godly sociability and movements for further reformation illustrate how powerful and wide-reaching such associations could be. As an archetype of âJacobethanâ nonseparating nonconformity, Hildershamâs career supplies a focus for looking at shifting configurations of conformity and orthodoxy. His ambivalent relationship with the ecclesiastical establishment,
world seek_explore various world early_modern spirituality lens one_important influential figure using diocesan parish national record close_study print work trace story strand england parallel long association parish provide_opportunity examine progress puritan reformation particular locality extend period role godly pastor message deliver people consider attempt_show effect puritanism within parish community necessarily divisive unpopular particularly promulgate many year support godly patron participation network godly sociability movement reformation illustrate powerful wide_reaching association could archetype nonconformity career supply focus look shift configuration conformity orthodoxy ambivalent relationship ecclesiastical establishment