The New World~From the Beginning

  The start of the European colonization of the Americas is typically dated to 1492. However, L'Anse aux Meadows in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador is much older. Dating from 1000AD, it is the only known site of a Norse or Viking village in Canada, and in North America outside of Greenland. L'Anse aux Meadows remains the only widely accepted instance of pre-Columbian trans-oceanic contact and is notable for its possible connection with the attempted colony of Vinland established by Leif Ericson around the same time period or, more broadly, with Norse exploration of the Americas.

Christopher Columbus (Italian: Cristoforo Colombo; Spanish: Cristóbal Colón; before 31 October 1451 – 20 May 1506) was an Italian explorer, navigator, and colonizer, born in the Republic of Genoa, in what is today northwestern Italy. Under the auspices of the Catholic Monarchs of Spain, he completed four voyages across the Atlantic Ocean that led to general European awareness of the American continents. Those voyages, and his efforts to establish permanent settlements on the island of Hispaniola, initiated the Spanish colonization of the New World.

In the context of emerging western imperialism and economic competition between European kingdoms seeking wealth through the establishment of trade routes and colonies, Columbus's speculative proposal, to reach the East Indies by sailing westward, eventually received the support of the Spanish crown, which saw in it a promise, however remote, of gaining the upper hand over rival powers in the contest for the lucrative spice trade with Asia. During his first voyage in 1492, instead of reaching Japan as he had intended, Columbus landed in the Bahamas archipelago, at a locale he named San Salvador. Over the course of three more voyages, Columbus visited the Greater and Lesser Antilles, as well as the Caribbean coast of Venezuela and Central America, claiming them for the Spanish Empire.

Though Columbus was not the first European explorer to reach the Americas (having been preceded by the Norse expedition led by Leif Ericson in the 11th century), Columbus's voyages led to the first lasting European contact with the Americas, inaugurating a period of European exploration, conquest, and colonization that lasted for several centuries. They had, therefore, an enormous impact in the historical development of the modern Western world. Columbus himself saw his accomplishments primarily in the light of the spreading of the Christian religion.

Never admitting that he had reached a continent previously unknown to Europeans, rather than the East Indies he had set out for, Columbus called the inhabitants of the lands he visited indios (Spanish for "Indians"). Columbus's strained relationship with the Spanish crown and its appointed colonial administrators in America led to his arrest and dismissal as governor of the settlements on the island of Hispaniola in 1500, and later to protracted litigation over the benefits which Columbus and his heirs claimed were owed to them by the crown.

Giovanni Caboto (John Cabot) was a native of Genoa and a citizen of Venice, who obtained letters-patent from Henry VII of England in 1496 for a voyage of discovery. In the summer of 1497, he crossed the Atlantic and discovered the mainland of North America—probably the Labrador coast. On this achievement was based the claim of England to North America.

John Cabot was sent by Henry VII in 1497 search for the Northwest Passage to India. He cruised coastal Newfoundland and noted the excellent fishing opportunities along the Grand Banks, but his favorable report on commercial opportunities in the New World elicited little response. England would content itself with the profits from its flourishing wool trade for much of the next century. The nation's interest in overseas exploration and colonization was also slowed by religious and dynastic problems.

Other early explorers were Martin Frobisher conducted three voyages to the New World in the years from 1576 to 1578. His initial aim of finding a Northwest Passage was changed to the pursuit of gold. His reputation went into decline for a number of years, but rebounded during his service against Spain.John Davis did much to clear up uncertainties about the geography of extreme northeast North America in voyages in 1585, 1586 and 1587. The Strait separating Greenland and Baffin Island bears his name.

1583 Humphrey Gilbert, a prominent soldier and Crown favorite, led an effort to establish the first English colony in America, a short-lived venture on Newfoundland.

In the mid-1580s, Walter Raleigh sponsored attempts to establish a permanent colony in the area of Virginia; the famous effort on Roanoke Island — the famous “Lost Colony” — was part of that effort.

England's History leading up to the Pilgrim's decision to leave their homeland. 

By 1500, England was arguably the most politically advanced nation in Europe. It had been engaged in a centuries-long struggle between the monarchy and nobility that predated the famed Magna Charta (1215). Ever-increasing restraints were being placed on royal authority by an influential representative assembly, the Parliament, but its true flowering still lay in the future. Also noteworthy was the English system of justice, which relied heavily on common law precedents rather than the king's dictates.

Despite these political advances, England had experienced a tumultuous recent past. The Hundred Years War with France (1337-1453) was both expensive and divisive. Natural disaster in the form of the Black Death (1348) took a tremendous toll and helped to weaken the feudal system, that ancient form of social organization in England.

Economic change also helped to form the emerging nation. During the 1300s, a thriving wool industry developed. Early merchants exported raw wool to European markets; later, mills were built in England, which fostered a much more profitable trade in woolen cloth. This economic growth came at a high cost to many in society, however. As the demand for grazing lands grew, landlords evicted many resident agricultural workers. During the late 1400s, crisis conditions persisted. A dwindling food supply was called upon to feed a rapidly expanding population. The result was widespread social unrest as well as sickness and starvation.

The House of Tudor

The Tudor line of monarchs provided some the most remarkable leaders in English history, but their era was one of great turbulence. Foreign rivalries, dynastic succession and religious allegiances all played prominent roles.

Henry VII, the first Tudor king (ruled 1485-1509), brought a large measure of stability to English society. He bequeathed to his son relative political peace and a full treasury.

Henry VIII (r. 1509-47) did not squander his inheritance. Under his leadership, England grew more prosperous through trade and became a full partner in Renaissance learning then sweeping much of Western Europe. Henry's major problem was one of succession. He was married to Catherine of Aragon, the aunt of the powerful Holy Roman Emperor Charles V (simultaneously Charles I of Spain). The queen was approaching the end of her child-bearing years and had produced a daughter, but no male heir. Henry feared the implications of entrusting England's future to a woman and sought an annulment of his marriage from the Bishop of Rome. The pope refused, citing lack of grounds, but his decision also reflected the reality that Charles carried more weight internationally than Henry.

 Anxious to wed the comely Anne Boleyn, Henry secured passage of the Act of Supremacy (1534) by Parliament. This measure ended papal authority in England and made the king head of the church in England. Most of the bishops supported the annulment and remarriage. Henry's power was further bolstered when he seized church property within his realm. The monks and nuns were turned out and the monasteries sold to wealthy nobles. In this way, Henry increased his treasury and formed a firm bond with grateful nobles.

During the remainder of Henry's reign, the church in England remained largely untouched by the Reformation, except for the obvious lack of ties with Rome. For a number of years following Henry's death, England would be led along alternating religious paths. During the short and unhappy reign of Edward VI (r. 1547-53), the English church veered toward Calvinism. However, under Mary I (r. 1553-58) a concerted effort was made to reestablish ties with Rome. Protestants were ruthlessly persecuted, which earned the queen the epithet "Bloody Mary." Many religious dissidents fled during these years, including a contingent that settled in Geneva. Those refugees came under the influence of the area's stern Calvinism and would later return to England where they became known as the Puritans.

Elizabeth I (r. 1558-1603) was the most successful of the Tudor monarchs. She followed a middle course on religious matters by resisting the extremes of both the Catholics and the Calvinists. The Elizabethan Age saw the flowering of literature, most notably through the works of William Shakespeare, and a corresponding development in commercial activity.

One mark of Elizabeth's canniness was her ability to hold off the attentions of Philip II of Spain. He had proposed marriage in order to expand his realm of influence and win back wayward England to Catholicism. Elizabeth had no desire to lead her country down that path and managed to delay a final answer for years. She knew that a confrontation with Spain would occur at some point, but wanted to wait until English defenses were strengthened.

Tensions with Spain were brought to the boiling point by the Sea Dogs, a group of privateers who preyed on the riches found in Spanish ships coming from the New World. Elizabeth provided unofficial encouragement for these ventures, which were headed by the likes of Francis Drake, John Hawkins, Walter Raleigh and Humphrey Gilbert.

Philip's patience was eventually exhausted. He realized that Elizabeth would never marry him and that the maritime rivalry between the two nations probably was sanctioned by the queen. Spain's response came in the form of an attempted invasion of England, conducted by the Spanish Armada (1588). Its utter and famous defeat left England unchallenged as the major sea power in the world.

Why did the pilgrims leave England?

The pilgrims left England in 1609 so that they could practice the religion they chose. An English law, the 1559 Act of Uniformity, demanded that all British citizens attend services and follow the traditions of the Church of England. A group of dissenters known as the Puritains had strong disagreements with some Church practices. Under King James, the practice of executing Puritans for disobeying the Act of Uniformity ended, but the Puritans still found themselves hated by society.

 Heading to the New World

In 1609 the pilgrims and Puritans moved to Holland. Here they enjoyed religious freedom, but they had to learn the Dutch language and their children began observing Dutch traditions. After some time in Holland, they decided they wanted to move to a country that spoke English and that would let them practice any religion they wanted. The only place they could do this was in a brand new place. The Pilgrims decided they would travel to the "New World." They went back to England in 1620 to set sail on the Mayflower. 102 people, known as the Pilgrim Fathers, left England for a second time on September 16, 1620.

Among these passengers were William Brewster, John Carver, Edward Winslow, and William Bradford, early governor of Plymouth Colony. 

John Alden, assistant governor; Myles Standish, a professional soldier and military advisor were also among the passengers. 

  The trip over the Atlantic Ocean took 65 days. They had to eat cold food, as no fire was allowed on the wooden ship. On the way over, the people divided into two groups: the Saints and the Strangers. The Saints and the Strangers argued over many things on the Mayflower, but when they found the New World on November 10, the Saints and the Strangers agreed that they should stay together. They made an agreement called the Mayflower Compact. The two groups joined together and became the Plymouth Pilgrims.

The Mayflower dropped anchor near present-day Provincetown on Nov. 21, 1620, and 41 male passengers signed the Mayflower Compact, an agreement to enact "just and equal laws for the general good of the colony." 

The Pilgrims first saw land near modern-day Cape Cod, but they did not settle there. They traveled north and landed at modern-day Plymouth on December 26, 1620.    http://teacher.scholastic.com/researchtools/researchstarters/plymouth/

An Unlikely Ally

Samoset walks into the Pilgrim village.
 The Pilgrims are shocked and some afraid of him, but
discovers he's no threat to them.
Samoset speaks very little English so he
introduces them to Squanto who had been to England
and could speak English well.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

During the first winter in the New World, the Mayflower colonists suffered greatly from diseases like scurvy, lack of shelter, and general conditions on board ship. Forty-five of the 102 emigrants died the first winter and were buried on Cole's Hill. Additional deaths during the first year meant that only 53 people were alive in November 1621 to celebrate the First Thanksgiving. Of the 18 adult women, 13 died the first winter, while another died in May. Only four adult women were left alive for the Thanksgiving. No women died aboard the ship, though a newborn baby and three men, including the captain, did.
These persons * who died in the winter of 1620-1621 were mostly likely originally buried in unmarked graves in the Coles Hill Burial Ground, Plymouth, Massachusetts. In 1920 many of the remains of persons originally buried on that hill were collected into what is now the Pilgrim Memorial Tomb, Cole's Hill, in Plymouth. All of the persons noted here are named on the Pilgrim Memorial Tomb.
Local Indians avoided contact with the Pilgrims because of past encounters with English sailors who had brought terrible diseases to the Indians and captured some of them and brought them to England as slaves.

Squanto teaches the Pilgrims how to tap Maple Syrup from
the trees, how to fish and where to find the best fishing spots, hunt and where the best hunting grounds were, and plant corn.
He taught the Pilgrim's and the local Indian tribes to get along and to live peacefully together.

The First Thanksgiving occurred one year after landing in the

 New World. Pilgrim governor William Bradford decided they 

should have a feast to celebrate their new colony and to thank 

the Indians for showing them how to survive. The celebration 

lasted three days and became the foundation of our modern

Thanksgiving holiday.

 In early autmn of 1621, the 53 surviving Pilgrims celebrated

 their successful harvest as was English custom. During

 this time, witnesses stated, "Many Indians celebrated with us, 

 among them was their great king, Massasoit, with some ninety men." 

The Pilgrim's first celebrated Harvest Festival in the New World, what we
call the First Thanksgiving.

This pilgrims didn't call this harvest festival, Thanksgiving, although they did pray, thanking God for their harvest. This was strictly a religious celebration. The first recorded Thanksgiving was held in 1623 after a much needed rainfall occurred and many prayers said for the needed rain. 

The religious day of Thanksgiving and the harvest festival evolved into a single event: a yearly Thanksgiving, proclaimed by individual governors for a Thursday in November. The custom of an annual Thanksgiving celebrated abundance and family spread across America. Some presidents proclaimed Thanksgiving, some did not. Abraham Lincoln began the tradition of an annual national Thanksgiving celebration in 1863. 

Thanksgiving is an enduring symbol which millions of immigrants have learned "Americanism". While not all Native Peoples celebrate the day, the story of the Pilgrims and Wampanoag sharing a harvest celebration remains an inspiring story to many. 

For additional information on who was present at the "first Thanksgiving", see this link: 

http://www.pilgrimhall.org/1stthnks.htm

There are 2(and only2) primary sources for the events of autumn in 1621 in Plymouth:

Edward Winslow writing in Mourt's Relation and William Bradford writing in 

Of Plymouth Plantation

 
Edward Winslow, Mourt's Relation :

"Our harvest being gotten in, our governour sent foure men on fowling, that so we might after a speciall manner rejoyce together, after we had gathered the fruits of our labours ; they foure in one day killed as much fowle, as with a little helpe beside, served the Company almost a weeke, at which time amongst other Recreations, we exercised our Armes, many of the Indians coming amongst us, and amongst the rest their greatest king Massasoyt, with some ninetie men, whom for three dayes we entertained and feasted, and they went out and killed five Deere, which they brought to the Plantation and bestowed on our Governour, and upon the Captaine and others.  And although it be not always so plentifull, as it was at this time with us, yet by the goodness of God, we are so farre from want,  that we often wish you partakers of our plentie."

In modern spelling

"Our harvest being gotten in, our governor sent four men on fowling, that so we might after a special manner rejoice together, after we had gathered the fruits of our labors; they four in one day killed as much fowl, as with a little help beside, served the Company almost a week, at which time amongst other Recreations, we exercised our Arms, many of the Indians coming amongst us, and amongst the rest their greatest king Massasoit, with some ninety men, whom for three days we entertained and feasted, and they went out and killed five Deer, which they brought to the Plantation and bestowed on our Governor, and upon the Captain and others.  And although it be not always so plentiful, as it was at this time with us, yet by the goodness of God, we are so far from want,  that we often wish you partakers of our plenty."

William Bradford, Of Plimoth Plantation :

 For as some were thus imployed in affairs abroad, others were excersised in fishing, aboute codd, & bass, & other fish, of which yey tooke good store, of which every family had their portion. All ye somer ther was no want.  And now begane to come in store of foule, as winter approached, of which this place did abound when they came first (but afterward decreased by degrees).  And besids water foule, ther was great store of wild Turkies, of which they tooke many, besids venison, &c. Besids, they had about a peck a meale a weeke to a person, or now since harvest, Indean corn to yt proportion.  Which made many afterwards write so largly of their plenty hear to their freinds in England, which were not fained,  but true reports."

In modern spelling "They began now to gather in the small harvest they had, and to fit up their houses and dwellings against winter, being all well recovered in health and strength and had all things in good plenty.  For as some were thus employed in affairs abroad, others were exercised in fishing, about cod and bass and other fish, of which they took good store, of which every family had their portion. All the summer there was no want; and now began to come in store of fowl, as winter approached, of which this place did abound when they came first (but afterward decreased by degrees).  And besides waterfowl there was great store of wild turkeys, of which they took many, besides venison, etc. Besides, they had about a peck of meal a week to a person, or now since harvest, Indian corn to that proportion.  Which made many afterwards write so largely of their plenty here to their friends in England, which were not feigned but true reports."

Pilgrims involved in First Thanksgiving

4 Married Women : Eleanor Billington, Mary Brewster, Elizabeth Hopkins, Susanna White Winslow. 5 ADOLESCENT GIRLS : Mary Chilton (14), Constance Hopkins (13 or 14), Priscilla Mullins (19), Elizabeth  Tilley (14 or15) and Dorothy, the Carver's unnamed maidservant, perhaps 18 or 19. 9 ADOLESCENT BOYS : Francis & John Billington, John Cooke, John Crackston, Samuel Fuller (2d), Giles Hopkins, William Latham, Joseph Rogers, Henry Samson. 13 YOUNG CHILDREN : Bartholomew, Mary & Remember Allerton, Love & Wrestling Brewster, Humility Cooper,   Samuel Eaton, Damaris & Oceanus Hopkins, Desire Minter, Richard More, Resolved & Peregrine White. 22 MEN : John Alden, Isaac Allerton, John Billington, William Bradford, William Brewster, Peter Brown, Francis  Cooke, Edward Doty, Francis Eaton, [first name unknown] Ely, Samuel Fuller, Richard Gardiner,  John Goodman, Stephen Hopkins, John Howland, Edward Lester, George Soule, Myles Standish,  William Trevor, Richard Warren, Edward Winslow, Gilbert Winslow. Family Groups :  Alden: John Allerton: Issac with children Bartholomew, Mary, Remember our servant, William Latham  Billington: John & Eleanor with sons Francis, John Jr. Bradford: William Brewster: William and Mary with sons Love, Wrestling; their ward Richard More Browne/Brown: Peter Carver: The Carver ward Desire Minter; the Carver servant John Howland; the Carver Maidservant Dorthy. Chilton: Mary  Cooke: Francis with son John Crackston: John Eaton: Francis with son Samuel Ely: Unknown adult man Fuller: Samuel with nephew Samuel Gardner: Richard Goodman: John Hopkins: Stephen and Elizabeth with Giles, Constance,  Damaris, Oceanus; their servants Liester, Edward Doty, and Edward Mullins: Priscilla Rogers: Joseph Standish: Myles Tilley: Elizabeth Tilley: Tilley wards Humility and Henry Samson Trevor/Trevore: William Warren: Richard Winslow: Edward and Susanna and her sons, Resolved White and Peregrine White;  servant George Soule Winslow: Gilbert                                Recorded Deaths statistics of Pilgrims during the voyage                              and after landing in the New World.

2 Women  3 Children 4 Statistics by month 4.1 Winter 4.2 Spring 1 Man

Men

• John Allerton*
• Richard Britteridge*, December 21
• William Butten/Button, November 6/16 on board Mayflower. Buried either at sea or later possibly ashore. Memorial in Provincetown. (a young man)
• Robert Carter*, after February 21
• James Chilton*, 8/18 on board Mayflower in Cape Cod Harbor. Most likely buried ashore. Memorial in Provincetown. Signor of the Mayflower Compact.
• Richard Clarke*
• John Crackstone Sr.*
• Thomas English* hired to master a shallop but died in the winter.
• Moses Fletcher*
• Edward Fuller*
• John Goodman*
• William Holbeck*
• John Langmore*
• 'Edmund Margesson*
• Christopher Martin*, January 8
• William Mullins*' February 21
• Degory Priest*, January 1
• John Rigsdale*
• Thomas Rogers*
• Elias Story*
• Edward Thompson, December 4/14 on board Mayflower in Cape Cod Harbor. Most likely buried ashore. Memorial in Provincetown.
• Edward Tilley*
• 'John Tilley*
• Thomas Tinker*
• John Turner*
• William White*, February 21, 1621.
• Roger Wilder*
• Thomas Williams*

Women

• Mary (Norris) Allerton*, of Newbury, England, wife of Isaac Allerton, died February 25, 1621, reportedly in childbirth, baby was stillborn. Remains later interred in Pilgrim Memorial Tomb, Cole's Hill, Plymouth, Massachusetts
• Dorothy (May) Bradford, December 7/17 drowned while on board Mayflower in Cape Cod Harbor. Most likely buried ashore. Memorial in Provincetown.
• Mrs. James Chilton*
• Sarah Eaton*
• Mrs. Edward Fuller*
• Mary (Prower) Martin*, January 11
• Alice Mullins*, February 22-28
• Alice Rigsdale*
• Agnes (Cooper) Tilley*
• Joan (Hurst) Tilley*
• Mrs. Thomas Tinker*
• Elizabeth (Barker) Winslow*, March 24. Remains later interred in Pilgrim Memorial Tomb, Cole's Hill, Plymouth, Massachusetts.
• Rose Standish* January 29 - grave unknown

Children

Mayflower plaque in St. James Church in Shipton, Shropshire commemorating the More children baptism. courtesy of Phil Revell

• John Hooke*, age 13
• Elinor (Ellen) More, age 8 died on board Mayflower in November 1620. Remains later interred in the Pilgrim Memorial Tomb, Cole's Hill, Plymouth, Massachusetts.
• Jasper More, age 7, died on board the Mayflower on December 6, 1620. Buried ashore in the Provincetown area.
• Mary More, age 4 died in the winter of 1620. Remains later interred in the Pilgrim Memorial Tomb, Plymouth, Massachusetts.
• Joseph Mullins*, age 14, February 22-28
• Solomon Prower*, age ca. 14-17, December 24
• the son of Thomas Tinker*
• both sons of John Turner*

Statistics of deaths by month

Winter

According to Bradford's Register, a contemporary source

• November, 1 death
• December, 6
• January, 8, 11
• February, 17
• March, 13

Spring

• April uncertain, between 1 and 5 (including Governor John Carver, not in above list)
• May or June, at least 1 (Mrs. Katherine (White) Carver*, not in above list)

Four deaths occurred in months unknown before the first Thanksgiving bringing the total deaths to 51.




The Act of Uniformity-THIS Act--distinguished among the several Uniformity Acts by the stringency of its penalties--was passed immediately after the foregoing, in April of the year 1559. 

Where at the death of our late sovereign lord King Edward VI there remained one uniform order of common service and prayer, and of the administration of sacraments, rites, and ceremonies in the Church of England, which was set forth in one book, intituled: The Book of Common Prayer, and Administration of Sacraments, and other rites and ceremonies in the Church of England; authorized by Act of Parliament holden in the fifth and sixth years of our said late sovereign lord King Edward VI, intituled: An Act for the uniformity of common prayer, and administration of the sacraments; the which was repealed and taken away by Act of Parliament in the [Page 459] first year of the reign of our late sovereign lady Queen Mary, to the great decay of the due honour of God, and discomfort to the professors of the truth of Christ's religion:

Be it therefore enacted by the authority of this present Parliament, that the said statute of repeal, and everything therein contained, only concerning the said book, and the service, administration of sacraments, rites, and ceremonies contained or appointed in or by the said book, shall be void and of none effect, from and after the feast of the Nativity of St. John Baptist next coming; and that the said book, with the order of service, and of the administration of sacraments, rites, and ceremonies, with the alterations and additions therein added and appointed by this statute, shall stand and be, from and after the said feast of the Nativity of St. John Baptist, in full force and effect, according to the tenor and effect of this statute; anything in the aforesaid statute of repeal to the contrary notwithstanding.

And further be it enacted by the queen's highness, with the assent of the Lords (sic) and Commons in this present Parliament assembled, and by authority of the same, that all and singular ministers in any cathedral or parish church, or other place within this realm of England, Wales, and the marches of the same, or other the queen's dominions, shall from and after the feast of the Nativity of St. John Baptist next coming be bounden to say and use the Matins, Evensong, celebration of the Lord's Supper and administration of each of the sacraments, and all their common and open prayer, in such order and form as is mentioned in the said book, so authorized by Parliament in the said fifth and sixth years of the reign of King Edward VI, with one alteration or addition of certain lessons to be used on every Sunday in the year, and the form of the Litany altered and corrected, and two sentences only added in the delivery of the sacrament to the communicants, and none other or otherwise.

[Page 460] And that if any manner of parson, vicar, or other whatsoever minister, that ought or should sing or say common prayer mentioned in the said book, or minister the sacraments, from and after the feast of the nativity of St. John Baptist next coming, refuse to use the said common prayers, or to minister the sacraments in such cathedral or parish church, or other places as he should use to minister the same, in such order and form as they be mentioned and set forth in the said book, or shall wilfully or obstinately standing in the same, use any other rite, ceremony, order, form, or manner of celebrating of the Lord's Supper, openly or privily, or Matins, Evensong, administration of the sacraments, or other open prayers, than is mentioned and set forth in the said book (open prayer in and throughout this Act, is meant that prayer which is for other to come unto, or hear, either in common churches or private chapels or oratories, commonly called the service of the Church), or shall preach, declare, or speak anything in the derogation or depraving of the said book, or anything therein contained, or of any part thereof, and shall be thereof lawfully convicted, according to the laws of this realm, by verdict of twelve men, or by his own confession, or by the notorious evidence of the fact, shall lose and forfeit to the queen's highness, her heirs and successors, for his first offence, the profit of all his spiritual benefices or promotions coming or arising in one whole year next after his conviction; and also that the person so convicted shall for the same offence suffer imprisonment by the space of six months, without bail or mainprize.

And if any such person once convicted of any offence concerning the premises, shall after his first conviction eftsoons offend, and be thereof, in form aforesaid, lawfully convicted, that then the same person shall for his second offence suffer imprisonment by the space of one whole year, and also shall therefore be deprived, ipso facto, of all his [Page 461] spiritual promotions; and that it shall be lawful to all patrons or donors of all and singular the same spiritual promotions, or of any of them, to present or collate to the same, as though the person and persons so offending were dead.

And that if any such person or persons, after he shall be twice convicted in form aforesaid, shall offend against any of the premises the third time, and shall be thereof, in form aforesaid, lawfully convicted, that then the person so offending and convicted the third time, shall be deprived, ipso facto, of all his spiritual promotions, and also shall suffer imprisonment during his life.

And if the person that shall offend, and be convicted in form aforesaid, concerning any of the premises, shall not be beneficed, nor have any spiritual promotion, that then the same person so offending and convicted shall for the first offence suffer imprisonment during one whole year next after his said conviction, without bail or mainprize. And if any such person, not having any spiritual promotion, after his first conviction shall eftsoons offend in anything concerning the premises, and shall be, in form aforesaid, thereof lawfully convicted, that then the same person shall for his second offence suffer imprisonment during his life.

And it is ordained and enacted by the authority aforesaid, that if any person or persons whatsoever, after the said feast of the Nativity of St. John Baptist next coming, shall in any interludes, plays, songs, rhymes, or by other open words, declare or speak anything in the derogation, depraving, or despising of the same book, or of anything therein contained, or any part thereof, or shall, by open fact, deed, or by open threatenings, compel or cause, or otherwise procure or maintain, any parson, vicar, or other minister in any cathedral or parish church, or in chapel, or in any other place, to sing or say any common or open prayer, or to minister any sacrament otherwise, or in any other manner and form, than is mentioned in the said book; or that by [Page 462] any of the said means shall unlawfully interrupt or let any parson, vicar, or other minister in any cathedral or parish church, chapel, or any other place, to sing or say common and open prayer, or to minister the sacraments or any of them, in such manner and form as is mentioned in the said book; that then every such person, being thereof lawfully convicted in form abovesaid, shall forfeit to the queen our sovereign lady, her heirs and successors, for the first offence a hundred marks.

And if any person or persons, being once convicted of any such offence, eftsoons offend against any of the last recited offences, and shall, in form aforesaid, be thereof lawfully convicted, that then the same person so offending and convicted shall, for the second offence, forfeit to the queen our sovereign lady, her heirs and successors, four hundred marks.

And if any person, after he, in form aforesaid, shall have been twice convicted of any offence concerning any of the last recited offences, shall offend the third time, and be thereof, in form abovesaid, lawfully convicted, that then every person so offending and convicted shall for his third offence forfeit to our sovereign lady the queen all his goods and chattels, and shall suffer imprisonment during his life.

And if any person or persons, that for his first offence concerning the premises shall be convicted, in form aforesaid, do not pay the sum to be paid by virtue of his conviction, in such manner and form as the same ought to be paid, within six weeks next after his conviction; that then every person so convicted, and so not paying the same, shall for the same first offence, instead of the said sum, suffer imprisonment by the space of six months, without bail or mainprize. And if any person or persons, that for his second offence concerning the premises shall be convicted in form aforesaid, do not pay the said sum to be paid by virtue of his conviction and this statute, in such manner [Page 463] and form as the same ought to be paid, within six weeks next after his said second conviction; that then every person so convicted, and not so paying the same, shall, for the same second offence, in the stead of the said sum, suffer imprisonment during twelve months, without bail or mainprize.

And that from and after the said feast of the Nativity of St. John Baptist next coming, all and every person and persons inhabiting within this realm, or any other the queen's majesty's dominions, shall diligently and faithfully, having no lawful or reasonable excuse to be absent, endeavour themselves to resort to their parish church or chapel accustomed, or upon reasonable let thereof, to some usual place where common prayer and such service of God shall be used in such time of let, upon every Sunday and other days ordained and used to be kept as holy days, and then and there to abide orderly and soberly during the time of the common prayer, preachings, or other service of God there to be used and ministered; upon pain of punishment by the censures of the Church, and also upon pain that every person so offending shall forfeit for every such offence twelve pence, to be levied by the churchwardens of the parish where such offence shall be done, to the use of the poor of the same parish, of the goods, lands, and tenements of such offender, by way of distress.

And for due execution hereof, the queen's most excellent majesty, the Lords temporal (sic), and all the Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, do in God's name earnestly require and charge all the archbishops, bishops, and other ordinaries, that they shall endeavour themselves to the uttermost of their knowledges, that the due and true execution hereof may be had throughout their dioceses and charges, as they will answer before God, for such evils and plagues wherewith Almighty God may justly punish His people for neglecting this good and wholesome law.

[Page 464] And for their authority in this behalf, be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that all and singular the same archbishops, bishops, and all other their officers exercising ecclesiastical jurisdiction, as well in place exempt as not exempt, within their dioceses, shall have full power and authority by this Act to reform, correct, and punish by censures of the Church, all and singular persons which shall offend within any their jurisdictions or dioceses, after the said feast of the Nativity of St. John Baptist next coming, against this Act and statute; any other law, statute, privilege, liberty, or provision heretofore made, had, or suffered to the contrary notwithstanding.

And it is ordained and enacted by the authority aforesaid, that all and every justices of oyer and terminer, or justices of assize, shall have full power and authority in every of their open and general sessions, to inquire, hear, and determine all and all manner of offences that shall be committed or done contrary to any article contained in this present Act, within the limits of the commission to them directed, and to make process for the execution of the same, as they may do against any person being indicted before them of trespass, or lawfully convicted thereof.

Provided always, and be it enacted by the authority aforesaid, that all and every archbishop and bishop shall or may, at all time and times, at his liberty and pleasure, join and associate himself, by virtue of this Act, to the said justices of oyer and terminer, or to the said justices of assize, at every of the said open and general sessions to be holden in any place within his diocese, for and to the inquiry, hearing, and determining of the offences aforesaid.

Provided also, and be it enacted by the authority aforesaid, that the books concerning the said services shall, at the cost and charges of the parishioners of every parish and cathedral church, be attained and gotten before the said feast of the Nativity of St. John Baptist next following; [Page 465] and that all such parishes and cathedral churches, or other places where the said books shall be attained and gotten before the said feast of the Nativity of St. John Baptist, shall, within three weeks next after the said books so attained and gotten, use the said service, and put the same in use according to this Act.

And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that no person or persons shall be at any time hereafter impeached or otherwise molested of or for any the offences above mentioned, hereafter to be committed or done contrary to this Act, unless he or they so offending be thereof indicted at the next general sessions to be holden before any such justices of oyer and terminer or justices of assize, next after any offence committed or done contrary to the tenor of this Act.

Provided always, and be it ordained and enacted by the authority aforesaid, that all and singular lords of the Parliament, for the third offence above mentioned, shall be tried by their peers.

Provided also, and be it ordained and enacted by the authority aforesaid, that the mayor of London, and all other mayors, bailiffs, and other head officers of all and singular cities, boroughs, and towns corporate within this realm, Wales, and the marches of the same, to the which justices of assize do not commonly repair, shall have full power and authority by virtue of this Act to inquire, hear, and determine the offences abovesaid, and every of them, yearly within fifteen days after the feasts of Easter and St. Michael the Archangel, in like manner and form as justices of assize and oyer and terminer may do.

Provided always, and be it ordained and enacted by the authority aforesaid, that all and singular archbishops and bishops, and every their chancellors, commissaries, archdeacons, and other ordinaries, having any peculiar ecclesiastical jurisdiction. shall have full power and authority by [Page 466] virtue of this Act, as well to inquire in their visitation, synods, and elsewhere within their jurisdiction at any other time and place, to take occasions (sic) and informations of all and every the things above mentioned, done, committed, or perpetrated within the limits of their jurisdictions and authority, and to punish the same by admonition, excommunication, sequestration, or deprivation, and other censures and processes, in like form as heretofore has been used in like cases by the queen's ecclesiastical laws.

Provided always, and be it enacted, that whatsoever person offending in the premises shall, for the offence, first receive punishment of the ordinary, having a testimonial thereof under the said ordinary's seal, shall not for the same offence eftsoons be convicted before the justices: and likewise receiving, for the said offence, first punishment by the justices, he shall not for the same offence eftsoons receive punishment of the ordinary; anything contained in this Act to the contrary notwithstanding.

Provided always, and be it enacted, that such ornaments of the church, and of the ministers thereof, shall be retained and be in use, as was in the Church of England, by authority of Parliament, in the second year of the reign of King Edward VI, until other order shall be therein taken by the authority of the queen's majesty, with the advice of her commissioners appointed and authorized, under the great seal of England, for causes ecclesiastical, or of the metropolitan of this realm.

And also, that if there shall happen any contempt or irreverence to be used in the ceremonies or rites of the Church, by the misusing of the orders appointed in this book, the queen's majesty may, by the like advice of the said commissioners or metropolitan, ordain and publish such further ceremonies or rites, as may be most for the advancement of God's glory, the edifying of His Church, and the due reverence of Christ's holy mysteries and sacraments.

[Page 467] And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that all laws, statutes, and ordinances, wherein or whereby any other service, administration of sacraments or common prayer, is limited, established, or set forth to be used within this realm, or any other the queen's dominions or countries, shall from henceforth be utterly void and of none effect.

Post by Lisa Vandiver