5. The Interregnum and Managing the Aftermath of Civil War (1646–60)

During the Interregnum, cathedral services were led by the Independent minister, Simon Moore. The services seem to have followed the pattern prescribed by the Directory that was issued to replace the Book of Common Prayer. The city had been damaged by the war and citizens were impoverished by the loss of wage-earning men and the quartering of Royalist soldiers in private homes. Money was raised by selling roofing lead, in particular that of the ‘leaden steeple’, a free-standing campanile near the cathedral. However, problems were caused by the presence of frustrated and angry Parliamentary soldiers who caused disturbances. The arrival of Charles with his Scottish army was a bad omen, and the Battle of Worcester which ensued had calamitous results for the city. Eventually the death of Oliver Cromwell and shifting public opinion led to Restoration of the Monarchy and another revolution in cathedral administration.