Revolution, War And Conquest, 1637–60

Abstract

The public announcement of the introduction of the prayer book at St Giles cathedral on 23 July 1637 provided the occasion for an organised protest by the king’s political and religious critics which turned into a popular riot. An outpouring of religious dissent followed throughout August, fuelled by economic grievances, especially in and around Edinburgh, Fife and the west. The aristocratic leadership was surprised at the level of popular support, but retained control of events. However, the privy council pretended the incident was a spontaneous, popular riot, exploited by dissident presbyterian ministers, and was reluctant either to inquire further or to inform the king of the growing momentum of the protest. The attack on the crown’s religious policies focussed on the single issue of the prayer book, which was condemned as popish, against the reformed tradition and unconstitutional.