SECTION 3: PURITANS UNDER JAMES I

How did James initially treat Puritans?

With tolerance — he allowed some flexibility in worship and appointments of moderate clergy.

What were key points of tension with Puritans?

• Enforcement of conformity (use of the Prayer Book).

• Book of Sports (1618): Permitted Sunday recreations, offending Puritans.

• Patronage of Arminians later alienated Puritans further.

What actions did James take against non-conforming clergy?

Under Archbishop Bancroft’s Canons (1604), around 300 ministers were deprived of their livings for refusing to conform.

What impact did Puritan migration have?

Some left England to establish New England colonies (1620s) — early sign of discontent with royal religious control.

Historian View:

• Nicholas Tyacke: Puritan frustration under James was the start of a “Calvinist decline” that intensified under Charles I.