Project ID: 850

DescriptionThe Canterbury Christmas Riots of 1647. In 1647 the celebration of Christmas was declared by Parliament to be a punishable offence. In Canterbury, attempts to enforce this led to discord, rebellion, and violence that erupted in a series of riots. On Wednesday 22nd December 1647 the Canterbury Town Crier declared that Christmas Day would be a normal market day. The mayor ordered the shops to open as usual. However, on Christmas Day one church in the High Street held a service in defiance of Parliament’s decree. The mayor moved in and broke up the service. It was alleged that he beat some of those present, including women and children.
TopicsHistory
TypeU3A-led research (not an SLP)
U3ACanterbury U3A
Organization/partnerRoyal Holloway College
Year started2018
Source of referenceCitizens 800 website
OutputPoster
DocumentsCanterbury Christmas Riots 1647 poster
NotesThis is one of number of SLPs linked to the Citizens project at Royal Holloway College - see file card 547 for details
See  www.citizens800.org/U3A  for more information