Ritual Legislation in the Victorian Church of England

This text traces the history of anti-ritualist legislation that led to the Public Worship Regulation Act of 1874 and its results. The study aims to provide a better understanding of this particular Act, and an appreciation for the problems encountered during the ritualistic controversy.

---

This volume traces the history of anti-ritualist legislation that led to the Public Worship Regulation Act of 1874 and its results. The aim of the text is not only the better understanding of this particular Act, but appreciation for the problems encountered during the ritualistic controversy as well. It examines events and issues in Parliament, the Church, the ecclesiastical court system, and the country at large. Specific bills, judgements, and reports are categorized and placed in historical context, and the story of the Public Worship Regulation Act is followed from initial draft to Royal Assent. Finally, the events that followed passage are considered to round out the work.