Summary Of The Voices Of Morebath

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Essay #2 In The Voices of Morebath: Reformation and Rebellion in an English Village, renowned scholar Eamonn Duffy investigates the English Reformation. Duffy pears through the eyes of the priest of a small, remote village in Southwestern England. Using Sir Christopher Trichay’s records of the parish, Duffy illustrates an image of Reformation opposite of what is predominantly assumed. Duffy argues the transformation that took place between 1530 and 1570, through the transition of four monarchs, was much more gradual that many interpret. Even though state mandate religious change affected the community of Morebath, the change did not ensue the violence that is often construed with the Reformation. Sir Christopher Trichay’s leadership and his portrayal of community life, the development and removal of St. Sidwell, and the participation in the church through stores develop Duffy’s argument of appeasement rather than violence during the English Reformation. It is important to understand life in Morebath preceding the Reformation before …show more content…

Trichay is seen as bringing local belief together with those of the greater church, Protestant or Catholic. Sir Christopher Trichay changed the way he referred to certain objects in the church as rule shifted from Henry VIII to Edward VI. The name altar changed to table but Duffy shows the reader that Sir Christopher Trichay would always see it as an altar. Old habits and patterns could not simply be erased. Images and decorations could be changed or eliminated in the church, but the ideas would not simply disappear. The Reformation did not result in a sudden change. Beliefs would begin to change gradually but the daily life of the parish would remain the same. Duffy emphasizes that there was not an upheaval with the removal of the Saint. The church did suffer financially but people did not protest to the extent that many

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