The Second Prayer Book of Edward VI

liturgical work

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 13, 2026

Quick Summary

The Second Prayer Book of Edward VI, enacted in 1552, was a significant revision of the first prayer book authorized for the Church of England in 1549. This liturgical work was prepared primarily by Thomas Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury.1

The first prayer book was seen as a compromise, but the second version introduced substantial changes to its text and ceremonies, leaning more towards Protestant ideals. This revision aimed to clarify the implied teachings and address opposition from more extreme reformers. Following Edward VI's reign, the prayer book was restored in 1559 under Elizabeth I, with minor adjustments that allowed for varying interpretations of Christ's presence in the Eucharist. Edward VI himself was a devout Protestant king who reigned from 1547 to 1553.12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

2 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

Book of Common Prayer
…latter prevailed, and in 1552 The Second Prayer Book of Edward VI was introduced. The revision made great changes in its text and ceremonies, all in a Protestant direction. In 1553 the new Catholic queen, Mary, restored the old Latin liturgical books. After Elizabeth I became queen in 1558, the…
Read More
…latter prevailed, and in 1552 The Second Prayer Book of Edward VI was introduced. The revision made great changes in its text and ceremonies, all in a Protestant direction. In 1553 the new Catholic queen, Mary, restored the old Latin liturgical books. After Elizabeth I became queen in 1558, the…
Read More

Martin Bucer
The Second Prayer Book of Edward VI (1552), utilizing Bucer’s criticism, offended the conservatives in the English church and did not satisfy the more radical reformers; it remained in force for about eight months. Bucer’s influence as a mediator, however, continued to have its effect…
Read More
The Second Prayer Book of Edward VI (1552), utilizing Bucer’s criticism, offended the conservatives in the English church and did not satisfy the more radical reformers; it remained in force for about eight months. Bucer’s influence as a mediator, however, continued to have its effect…
Read More

United Kingdom
Edward VI (1547–53)
…into a preacher and teacher, The Second Prayer Book of Edward VI (1552) was avowedly Protestant, altars were turned into tables, clerical vestments gave way to plain surplices, and religious orthodoxy was enforced by a new and more stringent Act of Uniformity.
Read More
…into a preacher and teacher, The Second Prayer Book of Edward VI (1552) was avowedly Protestant, altars were turned into tables, clerical vestments gave way to plain surplices, and religious orthodoxy was enforced by a new and more stringent Act of Uniformity.
Read More