Catholicism and Protestantism
Essex, where High Verley is, was a strongly Protestant area during the civil war. As Parliamentarians (see Setting) they were concerned about Charles I's religious stance, many believing that he wanted to move the country back to Catholicism. Charles had married a Catholic; and had appointed Achbishop Laud, who imposed new rules in the Church of England with the support and help of the king. These included forcing priests to follow a centralized prayer book exactly, and to wear special garments. Congregations were required to make the sign of the cross, and to kneel for communion; and churches were decorated with religious images. These habits were all so strongly associated with Catholicism that many parishioners rejected the rules, instead reasserting their convictions and beliefs by holding separate Protestant services.
Essex was home to a number of wealthy people who were reluctant to submit to the authority of a bishop (or indeed a monarch). In High Verley and its neighbourhood, Catholicism was deeply frowned upon, and all villagers were expected to attend Protestant services.
Protestantism at the time represented a more progressive view, and a more informal structure of worship; as well as demonstrating support for Parliament.
Essex was home to a number of wealthy people who were reluctant to submit to the authority of a bishop (or indeed a monarch). In High Verley and its neighbourhood, Catholicism was deeply frowned upon, and all villagers were expected to attend Protestant services.
Protestantism at the time represented a more progressive view, and a more informal structure of worship; as well as demonstrating support for Parliament.
