Divisions over Religion - Personal Rule

• The majority of English were Calvisinists and didn't like Laudianism which Charles sided with
• The main characteristics of Laudianism is that they reject predestination and they had less emphasis on the preaching and more on rituals
• Beauty of holiness is the notable influence that Laudianism had on the decoration and appearance of churches
• Examples of "beauty of holiness":

  • Increased music during services
  • Stained glass windows
  • Communion table railed off as altar in east end of church
• Puritans opposed "beauty of holiness" because they preferred plain, simple services and believed the changes derived from Catholicisim and England was anti-catholic
• The Laudian impositions (changes) were enforced through visitations
• Visitations are official visits by bishops to ensure that Laudian changes were made in parishes
• Nottinghamshire, didn't support the Laudian impositions and the local population were hostile during the visitations
• Puritans were Christians who put religion at the centre of their lives, sought to reform the Church further by removing Catholic symbols and practices
• The St Gregory's case took place in 1633
• The St Gregory's Case:

  • St Gregory's church Parishioners challenged moving the communion table
  • They felt that it was reminiscent of Catholicism and moving the communion table would mean moving the family pews
  • As a result they were brought to the Privy Council and Charles and it was a test case