The Christian Church in Georgian Britain (1714-1830)

Some of the problems within Georgian society and the Anglican Church could be seen at this church.

The Squire was a friend of the Prince of Wales. He even called him "Prinny". The Squire lived the selfish life of a "rake" - he was very fashionable, but spent a lot of time getting drunk and having big parties. He finally died aged 70, when he was shot by the husband of one of his servants. He was a bad person to be choosing the Parson and to be important in the community and church. The Squire chose his illegitimate son to be Parson of this church and also nearby Dunkerton - people called him the "devil of Dunkerton". Many farmers resented having to pay a tenth (tythe) of their profit to the church - the Rev. Bampfylde received his tythe with a pair of loaded pistols on the table.

Up to this time, everyone was expected to go to a Church of England church. Life was made very uncomfortable for them if they thought differently. In 1689, Parliament passed the 'Act of Toleration. This meant that 'Dissenters' - Congregationalists, Baptists, Quakers and the (later) Methodists - were no longer officially persecuted and their chapels were built everywhere.

Catholics were still badly treated until another 'Act of Toleration' finally gave them freedom to worship and build their own church in 1829.