ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY citizens from the ' old religion ; ' ^" and it was probably with the object of stimulating their ardour that the commissioners in the summer of this year ordered that processions should be held in every parish on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday in each week ; school-children, apprentices, priests and laymen all to take part, and one member of every household to be present on pain of a fine of 1 2d?^'^ A full pardon was granted to various condemned persons who with the fear of death before them abjured their heretical opinions."' In November 1556 the church of Westminster was restored as a Benedictine Abbey with fourteen monks under the rule of Abbot Feckenham, late Dean of St. Paul's."^* The saints' days in this year were duly observed with mass and processions,"^ and in most parishes ceremonies connected with the boy-bishop were carried out after the ancient fashion."' Early in 1557 the Bishop of London and his fellow-commissioners received fresh injunctions to search for heretics and heretical books, and to deal with all persons who refused to hear mass or go in procession, as also with any who withheld lands or property belonging to the Church."^ Cardinal Pole also issued instructions, which were read in English at Paul's Cross, with regard to confession and fasting ; "^ and in March there was published a royal proclamation against riots and disturbances in churchyards."' In April the London clergy were commanded to send to the commissioners from time to time the names of any amongst their parishioners who absented themselves from church, neglected any of the prescribed rites and ceremonies, or in any way showed signs of 'heresies, loUardies, and other enormities.'^-" Various persons were burnt at Smithfield and Islington, some being Londoners, and others brought from Essex and other parts of the diocese.^" A great number of sermons were preached during 1557 at Paul's Cross and elsewhere, all of which seem to have been well attended and much appreciated.^'^ The various civic and ecclesiastical processions took place with great pomp and ceremony. ^^' Miracle plays were also resumed,"* but these were only allowed under strict supervision.^' On the occasion of the victory of St. Quentin there was a solemn procession with a sermon at Paul's Cross, followed by bonfires and feasting ; "-* but the rejoicings seem to have been enjoined rather than spontaneous, the Council instructing the bishop to '■persuade the people by processions, bonfires, and such other joyful tokens, to give thanks to the Lord.' ™ The Spaniards, with whom London was over- run at this period, were not popular with the citizens. Strenuous efforts were made to establish good order in ecclesiastical affairs throughout the City,
- " See S.P. Dom. Mary, vii, 28.
"' Wriothesley, Chron. ii, 136 ; Monum. Franc, ii, 259 ; Lond. Epis. Reg. Bonner, fol. 403. '" Lond. Epis. Reg. Bonner, fol. 430-1. The Lollards' Tower in St. Paul's was used as a prison for heretics brought to London for trial ; Monum. Franc, ii, 260 ; M.achyn, Diary, 118 ; Stow, op. cit. (ed. Kings- ford), ii, 19, &c. "* Lond. Epis. Reg. Bonner, fol. 407 ; Machyn, Diary, 118-19 ! Wriothesley, Chron. ii, 136; Stow, Annals ; see the article on * Religious Houses.' '" Machyn, Diary, 113, 119, &c. "'Ibid. 121. So in 1557 ; ibid. 160. '"Lond. Epis. Reg. Bonner, fol. 425-6. ""Ibid. fol. b, 412, 416. '"Corp. Rec. Journ. xvii, fol. 27^. -"Lond. Epis. Reg. Bonner, fol. 419. "'Machyn, Diary, 130-1, 137, 139, 152, 157, 160; Wriothesley, Chron. ii, 137, 139. '"Machyn, Z)/<j/3i, 131-2, 135-6, 139, 158. "Mbid. 138, 140-1, 149, 159, &c. ; Willcins, Concilia, iv, 153, ex Reg. Pole, fol. 27a. "'Machyn, Diary, 138, 145. "'Acts ofP.C. vi, 102, 168-9. "* Machyn, Diary, 147, 150. "'Lond. Epis. Reg. Bonner, fol. 424.
