The Functioning of the Church of England in the Forest of Arden Region of Warwickshire, 1660-1640.

342 Pages·2009·2.45 MB·English

by  Susan Ann Jones

The Church of England in the Forest of Arden, 1660‐1740 

by

Susan Ann Jones

A thesis submitted to
The University of Birmingham
For the degree of
Doctor of Philosophy.

School of History and Cultures
The University of Birmingham
University of Birmingham Research Archive

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Abstract

This study explores the Anglican Church in a particular locality, namely the Forest of Arden
region of Warwickshire, from the Restoration to 1740. This thesis is in sharp contrast to those
histories that have depicted the Church of England as a moribund institution. It is contended
that Anglicanism was a vibrant and accepted part of the lives of a considerable proportion of
the laity, providing the focus of the communal and social life of the parish. What is more, the
church and its clergy successfully served the needs of the people. In addition, it played a
significant role in the spiritual, educational and moral discipline of the lower orders. This
study shows that there was a high level of clerical commitment to the good of the people and
that there was a considerable amount of lay participation in all aspects of church life.
Evidence is also presented that there was a general Anglican commitment to harmony
between those of differing religious views.
Table of Contents

Acknowledgements
Maps
List of Abbreviations
Abstract

Introduction 1
Chapter One-Popular Anglicanism 39
Chapter Two-The Church of England and its Competitors 103
Chapter Three-Church Discipline: Education and Coercion 149
Chapter Four-The clergy: Incomes, Pluralism and Patronage 203
Chapter Five-The Clergy: Lives and Ministry 259
Conclusion 305
Appendix 311

Bibliography 314
In Loving Memory of Nigel
And
To my Daughters, Emily and Sarah
With much Love.
Acknowledgments

In writing this work, many people have been extremely helpful, and I wish to offer them my
personal thanks. My thanks go to the staff of the record offices of Warwick, Worcester and
Lichfield for their assistance in finding me documents so quickly and efficiently. Thanks are
also due to Sarah Duffield, archivist, Church of England Record Centre for her assistance in
helping to identify material concerning Queen Anne’s Bounty for which I am extremely
grateful. A great debt of gratitude is due to my supervisor Dr Michael Snape, whose patiance,
empathy and support has enabled me to complete this doctoral thesis through difficult
personal times. My debt to him is enormous. On a personal note I would like to thank my dear
friends Jennet and Steve Gabriel, without their support, encouragement and the use of their
home this thesis would not have been completed. Finally, I would like to thank Sally Beadle
for her continuing support but, more importantly for just listening.
Source, Humphery-Smith, Cecil (ed), Atlas and Index of Parish Registers, 3rd edition (Phillimore2003), p.36

W. Westley Map of Birmingham 1731