The Dean and Chapter of Durham, 1558-1603

Abstract

This thesis provides the first comprehensive study of the role of
an Elizabethan Cathedral in society, perhaps doubly significant because
it deals with the only diocese in which, according to Dr Collinson,
the puritans had 'unfettered control'. How this outpost of radicalism
came to be located at Durham and the way in which the puritans used
their positions of authority are both questions which are dealt with,
but the scope of the study is much wider than this. The Cathedral is
examined as a complete unit by following the interests and activities
of the individual prebends as well as of the corporation in general:
indeed, it is only when these 2 aspects of the Cathedrals work are
examined together that meaningful conclusions can be drawn. The
involvement of the Cathedral in national and local politics and the
contributions which it made to the spiritual and economic life of
the diocese are examined in some depth, and in this way a picture is
built up of a vigorous organisation with involvements in many aspects
of government and society often far removed from prevailing notions
both of Cathedrals and of the Elizabethan clergy in the localities.
The reign of Elizabeth was in many ways the vital formulative period
for the attitudes and institutions which came to characterise the
Church of England and the Cathedral represents one area which up until
now has been largely ignored: the conclusion which emerges is of an
institution which was still basically rooted in the past yet which
became in itself something new, owing little to traditional concepts of
either the monastic or collegiate life.