Laud's religious policies and the reaction to them Flashcards
(12 cards)
Who was William Laud?
Archbishop of Canterbury from 1633, a close advisor to Charles I, and a key figure in enforcing religious uniformity.
What were the main aims of Laudian religious reforms?
To promote religious uniformity, beauty of holiness, and strengthen the authority of bishops and the monarchy.
What is meant by the “beauty of holiness”?
Emphasis on ceremony, decoration, music, and ritual in church services to reflect the glory of God.
Name a change Laud made to church layout.
Altars moved to the east end, railed off; clergy separated from congregation, reversing the Reformation trend.
How did Laudianism view preaching?
Less emphasis on sermons; more focus on liturgy and ritual.
What book symbolized Laudian reforms?
The 1637 Scottish Prayer Book—an attempt to impose English liturgy on Scotland.
How did Puritans react to Laud’s reforms?
Strong opposition; viewed reforms as a return to Catholicism and an attack on “true” Protestantism.
What were Feoffees for Impropriations, and what happened to them?
A Puritan group that appointed Puritan ministers; disbanded by Laud in 1633.
What was the Scottish reaction to the 1637 Prayer Book?
Violent riots; start of widespread unrest.
What was the National Covenant (1638)?
A Scottish pledge to resist Laudian reforms and protect Presbyterianism.
What event did Laud’s religious policies help trigger?
The Bishops’ Wars (1639–40), which weakened Charles I and led to the calling of the Long Parliament.
What happened to Laud in 1640?
He was imprisoned by Parliament and executed in 1645.
