Thesis

The later covenanting movement, 1660-1688 : a legal reappraisal

Creator
Awarding institution
  • University of Strathclyde
Date of award
  • 2012
Thesis identifier
  • T13134
Qualification Level
Qualification Name
Department, School or Faculty
Abstract
  • The return of the Stuart dynasty to the throne in England, Scotland and Ireland under King Charles II witnessed the Scottish Parliament's independence being regained and the restoration of Episcopacy in 1662 as the government of the Church of Scotland at the expense of Presbyterianism. The wide spread non-conformity and acts of dissent by Presbyterians were subsequently criminalised by Acts of the Scottish Parliament and Royal Proclamations of the Privy Council and many Covenanters tried in established and circuit courts. Rigorous research and statistical analysis of legal sources has revealed an alternative perspective of the later Covenanting Movement, arguing against the narrow religious focus of the existing literature. Evidence will provide a sorely needed socio-economic and geographic profile of the Covenanting Movement in the Restoration, as well as detailed analysis of judicial evidence and trends in relation to the trials of the Covenanters. The 'Killing Time' thesis of the older historiography will be challenged and the view of moderation and processing will argue that the Restoration in Scotland sae the roots of the modern military-fiscal state forming. The Covenanting Movement will be transported from a localised religious grouping to one characterised as ideologically innovative and universal in its appeal to all social standings.
Resource Type
DOI
Date Created
  • 2012
Former identifier
  • 946754

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