The Stripping of the Altars

The Stripping of the Altars examines religious life and practices in England from 1400-1580, focusing on the transformation from Catholic to Protestant worship. The book presents extensive research on late medieval Catholic customs, rituals, and beliefs as they existed in English parishes and communities. Through detailed analysis of primary sources including church records, wills, and parish accounts, Duffy reconstructs the religious experiences of ordinary people in pre-Reformation England. The text explores the physical spaces of worship, the role of saints and prayers, and the calendar of religious festivals that structured medieval life. The work challenges previous historical assumptions about a corrupt and declining late medieval church in England. Duffy demonstrates the vitality and meaning that traditional Catholic practices held for English people across social classes before the religious reforms of the 16th century. This groundbreaking study raises fundamental questions about the nature of religious change and the relationship between official church doctrine and popular faith. The book's historical approach altered scholarly understanding of the English Reformation and its impact on society.

Readers describe this as a detailed examination of pre-Reformation English Catholicism that challenges traditional Protestant narratives. Many note it changed their understanding of medieval religious practices. Liked: - Deep research into parish records and religious artifacts - Clear explanations of medieval religious customs and rituals - Extensive use of primary sources - Photos and illustrations that aid understanding - Fresh perspective on lay religious participation Disliked: - Dense academic writing style - Assumes prior knowledge of medieval history - Length and detail can be overwhelming - Some sections repetitive - High price of hardcover edition One reader noted: "Like reading a phone book at times, but worth pushing through for the insights." Ratings: Goodreads: 4.24/5 (456 ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (168 ratings) Google Books: 4/5 (89 ratings) Many academic reviewers cite it as changing their view of pre-Reformation England, while general readers often struggle with its scholarly depth.

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The Voices of Morebath by Eamon Duffy Parish records from a Tudor-era village reveal how England's religious reformation affected rural communities and transformed local religious practices.

Christianity in the West 1400-1700 by John Bossy A study of pre-Reformation Catholicism examines how religious practice integrated into daily life through family ties, community rituals, and parish structures.

Traditional Religion in England 1400-1580 by Robert Whiting The examination of church records, wills, and material culture reveals the persistence of Catholic practices in England during the period of religious reform.

Popular Religion in the Middle Ages by Rosalind and Christopher Brooke Archaeological findings and documentary sources demonstrate how medieval people expressed their faith through pilgrimages, saints' cults, and local traditions.

🔹 Before publishing "The Stripping of the Altars" in 1992, Duffy spent 15 years researching parish and church records across England, revolutionizing our view of medieval English Catholicism. 🔹 The book's title refers to the literal stripping of Catholic church altars during the English Reformation, when elaborate decorations and religious artifacts were removed or destroyed under Protestant reforms. 🔹 Many of the religious practices described in the book, such as the "Month's Mind" (a memorial service held one month after death), survived in some English communities well into the 18th century. 🔹 The work sparked a major reassessment in Tudor historical studies, challenging the previously dominant Protestant-centric narrative of English Reformation history. 🔹 Eamon Duffy wrote this groundbreaking work while serving as Professor of the History of Christianity at the University of Cambridge, where he continues to be an Emeritus Professor of Christian History.