The Prayer-Book of Queen Elizabeth, 1559

What it is

This is a 1911 printed edition of the 1559 prayer book, edited by William Benham with a historical introduction. The volume is printed from originals in the British Museum and other public libraries, and it also includes some occasional forms of prayer issued in Elizabeth's reign. The introduction explains that the Reformed liturgy of the Church of England came to an end with the death of Edward VI, before being restored under Elizabeth. Students are reading a modern edition, not the 1559 book itself.

Why it matters

The 1559 prayer book was tied to Elizabeth's religious settlement, which set the form of worship for the Church of England. The introduction describes the shifts from Edward VI to Mary and then to Elizabeth, showing how religious policy changed with each ruler and how people had to adapt.

Look closer

• What does the introduction say about the changes between the reigns of Edward VI, Mary and Elizabeth?
• Why might a 1911 editor have reprinted an older prayer book, and what does that choice show?
• What does a prayer book reveal about how government and religion were expected to shape everyday life?