Acts of Uniformity
Quick Summary
The Acts of Uniformity were a series of English laws passed primarily in the 17th century, aiming to enforce conformity within the Church of England. The most significant of these was the Act of Uniformity of 1662, enacted during the Restoration period under Charles II. This act mandated adherence to the Book of Common Prayer and required clergy to be reordained, leading to the ejection of nearly 2,000 Puritan ministers.
These acts were part of the broader Clarendon Code, designed to diminish the influence of Nonconformists, or Dissenters. Other related acts included the Corporation Act, the Conventicle Act, and the Five-Mile Act, which restricted Nonconformists from holding public office, attending unauthorized religious meetings, and living near towns where they had previously ministered. While the Toleration Act of 1689 eased some restrictions, the specific acts of the Clarendon Code remained on the books until the 19th century.
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United KingdomEdward VI (1547–53)…a new and more stringent Act of Uniformity.
Read More…a new and more stringent Act of Uniformity.
Read More- United KingdomThe Restoration
…upon the clergy in the Act of Uniformity (1662) led to a massive purge of officeholders. Town governors were put out of their places, and nearly one-fifth of all clergymen were deprived of their livings. Authority in the localities was now firmly in the hands of the gentry. The Conventicle…
Read More…upon the clergy in the Act of Uniformity (1662) led to a massive purge of officeholders. Town governors were put out of their places, and nearly one-fifth of all clergymen were deprived of their livings. Authority in the localities was now firmly in the hands of the gentry. The Conventicle…
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IrelandIreland under Elizabeth IThe Acts of Supremacy and Uniformity, which enforced the Anglican church settlement, were passed in Ireland in 1560, but fear of driving the inhabitants of the Pale into alliance with the Gaelic Irish (and perhaps with the Spanish) made the government lenient in enforcing the terms of the acts. Political…
Read MoreThe Acts of Supremacy and Uniformity, which enforced the Anglican church settlement, were passed in Ireland in 1560, but fear of driving the inhabitants of the Pale into alliance with the Gaelic Irish (and perhaps with the Spanish) made the government lenient in enforcing the terms of the acts. Political…
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ProtestantismThe Restoration (1660–85)A new Act of Uniformity was passed on May 19, 1662, by the Cavalier Parliament that required reordination of many pastors, gave unconditional consent to The Book of Common Prayer, advocated the taking of the oath of canonical obedience, and renounced the Solemn League and Covenant. Between…
Read MoreA new Act of Uniformity was passed on May 19, 1662, by the Cavalier Parliament that required reordination of many pastors, gave unconditional consent to The Book of Common Prayer, advocated the taking of the oath of canonical obedience, and renounced the Solemn League and Covenant. Between…
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