Going to Church in Medieval England

1. The Church as a Foundation of Medieval Life

From at least about AD 597, when St Augustine started his mission to the English at Canterbury, Christianity reached the people of England through churches.

Early Christianity's Reach. From the arrival of St. Augustine, churches became the primary means through which Christianity spread and influenced the lives of the English people. This influence extended beyond religious practice, shaping social, economic, and political structures. The church was not just a place of worship; it was the center of community life.

Churches as Centers of Power. Churches were not merely religious institutions; they were also centers of power, wealth, and social control. They were supported by the crown and privileged orders, and they played a significant role in regulating the lives of lay people. The church's influence was felt in every aspect of life, from birth to death.

A Network of Influence. By the year 1200, England was covered by a network of approximately 9,500 churches, both minsters and parish churches. This network ensured that Christianity reached every corner of the country, and that the Church's influence was felt by all. The church was the means by which Christianity was disseminated and maintained.

2. The Evolution of Parish Churches and Parishes

The process by which minsters were joined and eventually outnumbered by smaller churches can be seen in action from a code of laws issued by King Edgar in 960–2.

From Minsters to Parishes. The early Church in England was organized around minsters, large religious communities staffed by clergy. Over time, these minsters were joined and eventually outnumbered by smaller, local parish churches, each serving a specific territory. This shift reflected a growing desire for local control and access to religious services.

Parish Boundaries and Communities. The territories served by these local churches became known as parishes, and their boundaries often coincided with natural features like streams and roads. These boundaries were not always neat and tidy, and disputes over them were common. The parish became a social unit as well as a religious one, with its own identity and sense of community.

Urban and Rural Differences. The development of parishes differed between urban and rural areas. In towns, numerous churches were built, often by wealthy patrons, but many of these disappeared over time as parishes were consolidated. In the countryside, parishes were often larger and more scattered, especially in upland areas. The size and shape of a parish reflected the local geography and the distribution of population.

3. Clergy: Diverse Roles and Responsibilities

The parish clergyman was frequently called a ‘mass-priest’ in this period; later he would become known as a ‘rector’ or ‘vicar’.

Varied Clerical Roles. The clergy in medieval England were not a homogenous group. They included rectors, vicars, chaplains, and chantry priests, each with different roles and responsibilities. Rectors had full control of their parishes, while vicars were deputies appointed by religious institutions. Chaplains were often employed by wealthy individuals or guilds.

Becoming a Cleric. Becoming a cleric required a specific path, including schooling, ordination, and the acquisition of a benefice. Ordination was a process that involved several stages, from minor orders to the major orders of subdeacon, deacon, and priest. The process was not always rigorous, and some clergy were poorly educated.

Celibacy and Status. The Church sought to enforce celibacy on the clergy, but this was not always successful. Many clergy continued to be married until the late twelfth or early thirteenth centuries. The status of the clergy varied depending on their benefice, with the wealthiest parishes going to those with connections or academic degrees. Chaplains and chantry priests were often poorly paid and had a lower status.

4. The Church Building: A Sacred Space

The presence of churches all over England, their relationship with its people, and their functions as buildings and places of worship, music, and art make them relevant to a wide range of historical studies.

Consecration and Dedication. Every church was a sacred space, consecrated by a bishop in an elaborate ceremony. Each church was dedicated to a particular saint or to the Trinity, and the feast day of that saint was an important event in the parish calendar. The dedication gave the church a unique identity and a focus for local devotion.

Chancel and Nave. The typical church building consisted of a chancel, where the clergy performed the services, and a nave, where the congregation gathered. The chancel was often separated from the nave by a screen, and the high altar was located at the east end of the chancel. The nave was the space for the congregation, and it often contained a font for baptisms.

Chapels and Crosses. In addition to parish churches, there were numerous chapels, both private and public, which served a variety of purposes. Chapels-of-ease provided services for communities at a distance from the parish church, while cult chapels were dedicated to particular saints. Crosses were also a common feature of the landscape, marking boundaries, roads, and churchyards.

5. Liturgy and the Experience of Worship

The history of Church services – the topic of medieval liturgy – is a particularly difficult subject, and a principal aim of the work is to provide an easy way in to understanding it.

Daily and Weekly Services. The clergy were expected to perform the daily services known as the Office, which included matins, lauds, prime, terce, sext, nones, vespers, and compline. These services were often sung in Latin, and they were meant to be performed at specific times of the day. The mass was the central act of worship, and it was celebrated on Sundays and festivals.

The Mass and its Elements. The mass was a complex ritual that included prayers, readings, and the consecration of bread and wine. The priest was the central figure in the mass, and he was assisted by a clerk or other clergy. The mass was often accompanied by music, and it was a time for the congregation to come together and worship.

Lay Participation and Understanding. While the services were primarily conducted in Latin, there were some elements that were in English, such as the bidding prayers and the sermon. The laity were expected to attend church regularly, and they were encouraged to participate in the services through prayer and song. The Church also sought to educate the laity about the meaning of the services and the importance of the sacraments.

6. The Life Cycle and the Church

Until the Toleration Act of 1689 they were places which every adult was expected to attend for baptism, marriage, and burial, to visit for worship on Sundays and festivals, and to support by helping to maintain the buildings and their furnishings.

Baptism and Naming. Baptism was a crucial rite of passage, marking the entry of a child into the Christian community. It was often performed soon after birth, and it included the naming of the child. Godparents played an important role in the baptism, and they were expected to guide the child in its spiritual development.

Marriage and Churching. Marriage was a sacrament that was often performed in church, and it was seen as a way to create a stable and loving family. The churching of women after childbirth was a rite of purification and thanksgiving, and it marked the return of the mother to the community.

Sickness, Death, and Burial. The Church provided comfort and support to the sick and dying, and it offered prayers for the souls of the dead. Funerals were important social events, and they often included elaborate ceremonies and processions. Burial in a churchyard was a common practice, and it was seen as a way to be close to God and the community.

7. The Reformation: Change and Continuity

Accounts of the Reformation usually emphasise change, but the study of Church organisation and worship during that process reveals many continuities.

Royal Supremacy and Dissolution. The Reformation in England began with Henry VIII's assertion of royal supremacy over the Church. This led to the dissolution of the monasteries and the seizure of their wealth. The Church was now under the control of the crown, and the pope's authority was rejected.

Reforms and Resistance. The Reformation brought about significant changes in worship and doctrine. The Bible was translated into English, and the use of Latin was reduced. Images and relics were removed from churches, and the emphasis shifted from ritual to scripture. These changes were met with resistance from some, and there were rebellions and protests.

Continuities and Adaptations. Despite the changes, many aspects of church life remained the same. Parish churches continued to be the center of community life, and the clergy continued to play an important role in the lives of the people. The Prayer Books of 1549 and 1552, while introducing new forms of worship, also retained elements of the old liturgy. The Reformation was a period of change, but it was also a time of continuity and adaptation.

Last updated: January 15, 2025