The Reformation of the English Parish Church
Cambridge University Press
Edition: Illustrated, 10/21/2014
EAN 9781107460355, ISBN10: 1107460352
Paperback, 328 pages, 24.4 x 17 x 2 cm
Language: English
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.