Starting a new series from Ruby
I imagine 'The Church of England' for centuries has tried to find its way through all the different beliefs of its worshippers. Henry VIII took it into his own hands to abolish the Pope's authority here in 1534, and establishing himself as the head of the Church of England to suit his own life style.
Excommunication by the Pope did not make any difference to him as long as he had his own way. He had his own ideas of treatment for people who opposed him. The confessed Roman Catholics suffered badly. Many fine churches, Monasteries and buildings were burned or destroyed, valuable treasures were stolen, gold and silver were melted down to fill his coffers, Monks were burned out of their monasteries, Mass was a forbidden service.
Many people died for their religion and others went into hiding, there was many a hidden priest in the large mansions about the country. In some houses a 'priests hole' can be seen when you are visiting today. Many different types of worship sprang up all over Europe and as missionaries began to take their faith abroad religious wars were never very far from the surface.
In these days we are far more fortunate. There has always been difference of opinions as to how and where we worship but now we do have free choice. Elizabeth I of England tried to establish it in her reign and it has taken many years to get where we are today.
Things never stand still and when looking at our Church today compared with a Church in 1900 one can hardly believe what you see.
Life that once made the Church our beginning and end has altered tremendously. At the beginning of the century families always went to Church some time on a Sunday, even where there were servants they had to go too. The bible was the only book read on a Sunday, only the most necessary work was done. This was a day of rest, no sewing or reading, nor were any games played.
"Sunday Best" clothes were a feature of the Late Victorian and Edwardian reigns, and were always worn for Church. They had to be clean, often starched, boots or shoes had to be polished and hats had to be worn. They then removed their hats on entering the Church, but for the women they did become quite a status symbol. Arms and legs had to be covered and gloves worn or carried.
These clothes were never worn to work until they had been replaced by something just as good or even better and a winter coat lasted the whole winter. This was before World War I after which a great change came over the whole population and spread into every way of life.
Some of these changes I hope to tell you about next month.
written by Ruby Bullock
Return to the September 1999 Features page
return to Home page and main index
page last updated 22 AUGUST 1999