They’re stealing our Christmas!

I came across this a few weeks ago and meant to post it on Christmas Eve, but as it turned out, Christmas Eve was Just One of Those Days. So I shall post it now.

During the English Civil War, Parliament ordered an end to the church festivals, including Christmas and Easter: they considered them to be popish and heathenish observances, which had no place in a Christian commonwealth. Accordingly, in 1647 the local authorities in many parts of England made a special point of ordering that Christmas Day should be treated as an ordinary working day. This met with considerable resentment, and in some places with serious resistance; nowhere more than in Canterbury.

(Note: ‘Major’ is a variant form of mayor.)

Upon Wednesday, Decemb. 22. the Cryer of Canterbury by the appointment of Master Major, openly proclaimed, that Christmas day, and all other Superstitious Festivals should be put downe, and that a Market should be kept upon Christmas day. ... The Major being slighted, & his Commands observed (only of a few) who opened their Shops, to the number of 12 at the most: They were commanded by the multitude to shut up again, but refusing to obey, their ware was thrown up and down, and they at last forced to shut in.

The Major and his assistants used their best endeavour to qualifie the tumult, but the fire being once kindled, was not easily quenched.

The Sheriffe laying hold of a fellow, was stoutly resisted; which the Major perceiving, took a Cudgell, and strook the man: who being not puny, pulled up his spirit, and knockt down the Major, whereby his Cloak was much torne and durty, besides the hurt he received.

The Major hereupon made strict Proclamation for keeping the Peace, and that every man depart to his own house.

The multitude hollowing thereat, in disorderly manner; the Aldermen and Constables caught two or three of the rout, and sent them to the Jaile, but they soon broke loose, and Jeered Master Alderman.

Soon after issued forth the Commanders of this Rabble, with an addition of Souldiers into the high streete, and brought with them two Foot-bales,* whereby their company increased. Which the Major and Aldermen perceiving took what prisoners they had got, and would have carried them to the Jayle. But the multitude following after to the Kings Bench, were opposed by Captain Bridg, who was straight knockt down and had his head broke in two places, not being able to withstand the multitude, who getting betwixt him and the Jayle, rescued their fellowes, and beat the Major and Aldermen into their houses, and then cried conquest.

[The next day was Sunday, and things went quiet, but there was more trouble on the Monday and Tuesday. The mayor, among others, had his windows broken and several people were hurt. By Monday night the rioters were up in arms and in full control of the city. Peace was eventually made by some of the more moderate local notables, on a promise that none of the rioters would be punished. In the event, the puritans failed to honour this agreement and had some of the rioters tried at the assizes, but the charges were thrown out by the grand juries. However, the resentments aroused by the whole episode played a large part in sparking off the Kentish Uprising of 1648.]

*footballs.


A Citizen of Canterbury

from Canterbury Christmas (1648)


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