The Medieval Boy Bishops

In the mid-seventeenth century, John Gregory made a surprise discovery in Salisbury Cathedral. But his mistaken attribution began to reveal the truth of the Boy Bishops. This strange and largely forgotten history that stretches from the early Middle Ages to the present day gives a fascinating insight into the medieval world and its legacy. Elected by their fellows, these Boy Bishops exercised their power in cathedrals, churches and beyond, right across Europe. They controlled services, preached sermons, directed the clergy, enjoyed lavish entertainment, went on visitations to the great noble and religious houses, and could receive huge sums of money. Yet the topsy-turvy reign of a Boy Bishop might be accompanied by bitter ecclesiastical arguments, violence, murder and civil unrest. And it is a little known fact that the Boy Bishop is still with us today.