A History of Pew Renting in the Church of England

Viac o knihe

This book offers a thorough exploration of pew-renting in the Church of England, tracing its evolution from the fifteenth century to its decline in the twentieth century. Its originality is noteworthy, as it stands as the only comprehensive work on the subject since the nineteenth century, which primarily featured polemical critiques rather than historical analyses. The study distinguishes between formal pew-renting—where church authorities systematically rented seats at set prices—and informal arrangements, where congregants tipped pew-openers for preferred seating. It delves into the challenges faced by churches and renters, the processes for determining and collecting rents, and the demographics of those who rented pews. The text also addresses the controversies surrounding pew-renting, including the legal ambiguities and instances of deception involved in the practice. The structure includes an introduction and ten chapters that cover various aspects, such as the mechanics of formal pew-renting, the role of informal arrangements, and the perspectives of both supporters and opponents, culminating in a conclusion that reflects on the system's eventual demise.