Good Friday in Tudor England: Ritual, Power, and the Reformation

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Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, a moment at the heart of the Christian faith, remembered as the ultimate act of sacrifice and redemption.

But how was Good Friday marked in Tudor England?

In this video, I explore both the meaning of Good Friday and the powerful, physical rituals that shaped its observance in medieval and Tudor times.

From the biblical account of Christ’s trial before Pontius Pilate and crucifixion at Calvary, to the dramatic church practices of the period, including the Easter Sepulchre and the deeply symbolic ceremony of “creeping to the cross”.

By the reign of Henry VIII, even the monarch took part in these rituals, approaching the cross on his knees in an act of humility. But the Reformation brought change and controversy. Under Edward VI, such practices were abolished, only to be restored with intensity under Mary I of England, whose Good Friday ceremonies also included the blessing of cramp rings and the royal healing touch.

With the reign of Elizabeth I, these traditions were once again swept away, reflecting the shifting religious landscape of the Tudor period.

This is a glimpse into a world where faith was not just believed, it was expressed physically, emotionally, and publicly, by both ordinary people and monarchs.

How is Good Friday marked where you are? Let me know in the comments.

#TudorHistory #GoodFriday #HenryVIII #MaryTudor #ElizabethI #BritishHistory #HistoryExplained #Reformation #Easter #OnThisDay

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