Episode 7
(New) From Refugees to Millenary and the New King. - Shorter Listen
Audio • Season 2 • 7 • (New) From Refugees to Millenary and the New King. - Shorter Listen
Artwork • Funeral of Queen Elizabeth I - April 28, 1603.
Published by janetwertman
Music • Drop, drop, slow tears. Sung by the Cambridge Chorale, in Ely Cathedral.
From a Poem by Phineas Fletcher (1582-1650), Composer is Orlando Gibbons 1583—1625).
Drop, drop, Slow tears, is a devotional reflection sung at Passiontide, but not specific to that season. Orlando Gibbons, joined text by the Jacobean poet and clergyman Phineas Fletcher to a hymn tune, Song 46, which was published in 1623.
Interestingly, the poet and composer are linked by their connection with King’s College Cambridge, where Gibbons was a chorister and Fletcher a student.
By the 1610s, Gibbons was the leading composer and organist in England.
His career was cut short when he died , aged 41, in 1625, which is thought to have been caused by the Plague.
Passiontide, in the Christian liturgical year, is a name for the last two weeks of Lent,
beginning on the Fifth Sunday of Lent, long celebrated as Passion Sunday, and continuing
through Lazarus Saturday.
It commemorates the suffering of Christ , Latin "passio" meaning is “suffering”.
Music 2 • Prevent Us, O Lord - Sung by Recordare Chamber Choir.
Composer William Byrd. c. 1540-1623
Manuscript: 1580 in Dow Partbooks, no. 58. The Dow Partbooks is a collection of five partbooks in Oxford around 1580. The collection includes choral and also instrumental pieces. Robert Dow was a trained calligrapher and the books are unusually easy to read among Tudor manuscripts.
Transcript
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Series 2.
Episode 7.
From Refugees to Millenary, and the new King.
The Seventeen Provinces of the Low Countries, particularly the Westkwartier area in Flanders, were economically significant, due to their production of the New Draperies, known as Says, in the early seventeenth century.
These lightweight woollen fabrics, became popular among the gentry and burghers, seeking fashionable attire.
During the sixteenth century, this region was under the Habsburg's rule, but an economic crisis, made the textile workers, susceptible to the propaganda of Anabaptists and Calvinists, who were advocating for change.
The Dutch-speaking Flemish in the north, and the French-speaking Walloons in the south, felt exploited by their clergy, which in turn, led to a growing discontent with the Catholic Church, as they sought to improve their circumstances.
In the mid-16th century, many French-speaking Protestants, from the Walloon region, and Dutch-speaking Flemings, fled to England to escape warfare and religious persecution, by the Catholic Inquisition.
They settled, in large numbers, in places such as London and the south-eastern towns of Sandwich Maidstone Southampton, Dover, and Canterbury.
After Queen Elizabeth restored Protestantism, the Dutch refugee community in London grew significantly.
William Cecil, quickly recognised, the economic benefits, these skilled textile workers, brought to their host communities.
nque Port of Sandwich between:Among the refugees, were Reformed and Calvinist militants, who would go on to establish independent churches.
Sandwich, an ancient English port on the south-east coast, was a busy hub, with strong ties to the European Continent, especially the Low Countries.
The town was attractive to the Westkwartier refugees, due to its local yarn, markets, and the supportive local magistrates, who were focused on its economic improvement.
The Cinque Ports, are an historic confederation of coastal towns, comprising Sandwich, Dover, Hythe, New Romney, and Hastings.
The name, which comes from Old French, simply means "Five Harbours”.
By:This surge of newcomers, locally known as “Strangers”, raised concerns among the Sandwich Council, as the small port town had never encountered such a situation before.
And so, in: By:Second and third-generation Dutch descendants, began to influence the town's religious views, inspiring the Sandwich Separatists, to seek an independent community, free from the English Church.
St Peter's, is now a redundant Anglican church in Sandwich Kent, designated as a Grade one, listed building.
stablished on the site around:The Carmelite friars, rebuilt it in the 13th century, expanding the north aisle, and adding a Chantry chapel in the 14th century.
In:At that time, there were many empty houses in Canterbury because fewer people were visiting as pilgrims.
The Walloons, were permitted to hold their church services at St. Alphege's Church, which is situated right across from the Archbishop's Palace.
They organised themselves into a group called a Consistory, to come together and take care of the needs of their community.
St. Alphege, Archbishop of Canterbury in the 11th century, was captured by Danish invaders in Ten Eleven, and after refusing to pay ransom, he was executed in Greenwich.
ed to Canterbury Cathedral in: d to have been founded around:Additional changes took place during the 13th and 15th centuries, further shaping the Cathedral's architectural character.
In the early 17th century, Robert Cushman, who helped secure the Mayflower, for the Leiden Separatists, was married there.
The separatists sailed in: ed functioning as a church in:The refugees, arriving into England, mainly came from areas near Lille, Valenciennes, Tournai, and the Lys River valley.
The region, was well known for its strong Reformist tradition, and has a history, of intricate cloth manufacturing.
In Canterbury, the Walloon immigrants were quickly integrated into the city's weaving industry, creating job opportunities for local women and children, who spun, yarn, - while the cloth was woven in their homes.
They used high-quality wool, from Romney Marsh, along with silk and linen threads, to craft their high quality draperies.
The finished cloth, was then sent to London, or exported, leading to wealth for merchants, and master weavers.
After their arrival in Canterbury, the newcomers came to an agreement with the city authorities, that they would care for their own orphans, widows, the elderly, and the sick, knowing, the English Poor Laws would not provide assistance to them.
They also took responsibility, for their ministers' salaries, and the upkeep of the cathedral crypt.
Elders and deacons, collected donations and distributed communion tokens, clothing, and financial support.
As a result, many refugees passed through Canterbury, often receiving financial assistance to travel to London, or return home, to reconnect with family and check on their properties.
The Walloon church, sometimes known as the Consistory, included a minister, typically ten elders from the cloth trade, and eight deacons, assigned to the four, city quarters.
Antoine Lescaillet, served as their first minister until he fell ill, and was replaced by Samuelle Le Chevalier, from London.
In:Notable Walloon conformists, are memorialised in the cathedral, including Canon Richard Colfe and Archdeacon Hadrian à Saravia, the latter being a translator, for the King James Version of the Bible, and a co-author of the "Confessio Belgica”.
This confession, created in:At that time, many Huguenots, the Protestant refugees from northern France, had joined the Walloons, to escape the wars of religion and persecution.
By the century's end, their community in Canterbury, had grown from just 25 families to over 2,500 members, within a population no larger than 9,000.
The congregation's size would continue to fluctuate, due to factors like assimilation and death, as well as the effects of the waves of repression and conflict, happening in France and the Low Countries.
drian à Saravia, was born in: onverting to Protestantism in: In: June: However, in:Dudley, a supporter of the Protestant movement, had angered Queen Elizabeth, by accepting the Dutch Governor-General position, which had resulted in his recall.
Soon after arriving in England, Saravia was appointed master, at a grammar school in Southampton, where he published treatises defending Episcopacy against Presbyterianism.
In:In his book, Saravia advocated for Episcopacy, a position that sparked a controversy with Theodore Beza.
June:Doctors of Divinity, hold the highest academic standing at Oxford, while prebendaries historically received a fixed regular income, from land and are now, simply honoured clergy in the Church of England.
December: , on his deathbed in November: Between: ed in the Royal Library until: In: January: The year is: James Chilton, born around: In: passenger on the Mayflower in: aptised in Canterbury between:In Sandwich, Chilton met Moses Fletcher, and other Separatists who would later join the Leiden congregation in Holland.
Sandwich became a meeting point for the Kent Separatists, which would include, future members of John Robinson's church.
Moses Fletcher, born around: ca alone, on the Mayflower in: September:Replacing the incumbent, Thomas Luddington, he would also serve, as a private chaplain to a minor noble.
While he had the opportunity, to manage a much larger parish, he opted against it, mindful of the scrutiny it would invite.
The Corporation of Lincoln provided him with an annual stipend of £40, paid quarterly, and a housing allowance, along with permission to keep three cattle on common land.
As a dedicated Puritan, Smyth viewed himself as a pastor rather than a priest, emphasising Scripture's authority, while prioritising conversions in his ministry, which would often lead, to clashes with other councillors.
In:Playwrights therefore would often mock them, with Shakespeare's Malvolio, in "Twelfth Night", being a notable example.
Dressed in all black, Malvolio is portrayed as a hypocritical character, at odds with the irresponsible Sir Toby Belch, and Sir Andrew Aguecheek, showcasing his desire to end their revelry.
Shakespeare, masterfully presents the Puritan viewpoint, while critiquing, what he perceives as their excessive zeal.
In:He suffered, from what he called a "long sickness," which allowed him time, to read the Bible and classic literature.
His interest grew, after learning about Reverend Richard Clyfton, a preacher in Babworth known for his impactful sermons.
Despite facing community disapproval, he felt compelled to attend Clyfton's services.
His journey from Austerfield to Clyfton's church would have taken him past William Brewster's house in Scrooby, where Brewster, the postmaster and bailiff, likely knew Bradford's family.
William met the older Brewster when he was about twelve or thirteen, and Brewster, then in his late thirties, took him in, teaching him Latin, Greek, and religious studies.
They would travel to Babworth together, to attend Richard Clyfton's sermons.
His teachings, emphasised, that everyone has the right to discuss the Bible, parishioners should actively engage in services, and individuals can communicate with God, outside of the official Book of Common Prayer.
Amid the religious turmoil in England, the young orphan, William Bradford, grew increasingly engaged with the Separatists.
The Church of All Saints in Babworth, where he and William Brewster attended services, still stands today.
Richard Clyfton preached there, and although the church is part of the Church of England now, with many decorative features, Puritans like Clyfton disapproved of them.
from the Church of England in:For more than 30 years, Bradford served as the governor of Plymouth Colony, chronicling his experiences, in a journal, that has become the definitive narrative, of the Pilgrims and their settlement.
In Lincoln, Smyth's blunt preaching style continued to face growing opposition, particularly from Luddington, a former city preacher with many loyal supporters.
This political tension, put Smyth's position at risk, especially after he was accused of disrespecting the city fathers in a sermon.
September:However, it was revealed, that he not only lacked a preaching license, but had also previously been barred from any ministry, by the bishop.
Consequently, the city council dismissed him and revoked his stipend, electing Luddington as City Preacher.
Feeling threatened, Smyth considered legal action, but the Corporation, were able to provide evidence that the Bishop, also disapproved of his teachings.
Lincoln Corporation reran the election, resulting in Mr. Dalby being elected as City Preacher over Luddington by twelve votes.
John Smyth, dissatisfied with the outcome, escalated the dispute to Lord Sheffield, who ultimately resolved the matter to everyone's satisfaction.
Smyth stayed in Lincoln, to decide his future path, and began supporting his family by practising medicine, as obtaining a licence, was not required at that time.
rman style and consecrated in: iencing damage from a fire in:This major renovation, marked the beginning of the beautiful Gothic style that the cathedral is famous for today.
he Angel Choir, built between:Although its spire, was removed in the 16th century, due to structural concerns, Lincoln Cathedral remains a remarkable and dominant feature of the landscape.
The cathedral has also played a significant role in the history of England.
It was one of the original sites for the Magna Carta, a charter, established in the thirteenth century, to safeguard the rights and properties of barons, against a tyrannical ruler.
Notably, one of the four surviving original copies of the Magna Carta, is preserved in the nearby Lincoln Castle.
For nearly a thousand years, Lincoln Cathedral has been a centre for Christian worship, and continues to serve, as the home of the Bishop of Lincoln.
The year is: started to decline in autumn: By March:
Shortly afterwards, Sir Robert Cecil and the council, now set their plans in motion, proclaiming James VI of Scotland as the new King of England.
Elizabeth's coffin, was secretly transported to Whitehall, in readiness for her funeral procession to Westminster Abbey on 28 April, which was carried by a hearse, draped in black velvet.
Although a Protestant, Elizabeth retained some Catholic symbols, and pragmatically balanced religious policies, seeking to appease both Catholics and English Protestants, while resisting the extreme changes proposed by Puritans.
March: July:The Coronation Music featured "O Lord, Grant the King a Long Life," inspired by Psalm 61.
Tomkins, was included in the: March:This epidemic was the first of the 17th century, and marked the transition, from the Tudor to the Stuart period, as Elizabeth was the last monarch of the Tudor dynasty.
Despite being King of England and Scotland, James faced challenges in unifying the governments.
While popular in Scotland, he struggled with the English Parliament's resistance, to his, absolutist ambitions.
Ongoing issues, such as poor financial management, and unpopular favouritism, further complicated his reign.
However his reign, did see a flourishing of the arts and sciences, reminiscent of the Elizabethan Age.
As a scholar, he played a crucial role in creating the King James Bible, the authorised version for the Anglican Church.
April:The Puritans were hopeful, when James VI of Scotland was named King of England, as he was raised in a Protestant environment, despite having a Catholic mother, Mary Queen of Scots.
Protestantism heavily influenced his upbringing, as Scotland had adopted this faith under the leadership of John Knox.
The more moderate Puritans, were hopeful that James would continue the reforms, that they were unable to implement during Elizabeth's reign, creating excitement about his upcoming rule.
lenary Tract Petition - April: In:This advance delivery, was presented privately to King James in Leicester, to prevent prior discussion, and interference from the Bishops.
The petition, called for reforms, to eliminate rituals perceived as Catholic, while being careful to avoid challenging Royal Supremacy, within the Church of England.
Key proposals included, appointing a preaching minister for each parish, instead of just reading from the Book of Common Prayer, and to allow ministers to subscribe, only to the Thirty-Nine Articles, and no more.
It opposed Archbishop John Whitgift's policies, and suggested replacing Episcopacy, with a Presbyterian governance model.
In response, James agreed to hold a conference in London, for debate on the proposed reforms.
May:Francis Johnson and Henry Ainsworth who were leaders of the Ancient Church, a Brownist congregation based in Amsterdam, made their way to London, independently of the English Puritans, aiming to gain a private audience with the new king.
They intended to present a justification, for their congregation's views, on the need for Church of England reform, and to seek permission to return to England, where they hoped to worship freely, according to their beliefs.
After some meetings with lower officials, and after submitting a summary of their views for discussion, Johnson and Ainsworth accomplished nothing, and had to return to Amsterdam.
Back home, they revised their petition twice, publishing it under the title, of, "An Apology, or Defence of True Christians, Commonly and Unjustly Called Brownists".
Before Queen Elizabeth's death, Edwin Sandys had visited King James VI of Scotland, to pay his respects.
es took the English throne in: December:He attended Merchant Taylors' School, and later Corpus Christi College Oxford.
in the House of Commons from: