6. The Restoration of the Monarchy and Reinstating the Anglican Church (1660–1700)

Re-establishing prayer book services, forming and training a new choir, and finding it music to sing were daunting tasks, and the building also required repairs, particularly to the roofs. New quire seating was needed as well, and the communion table and organ had to be replaced. The challenges must have seemed forbidding, but somehow the funds and energy were found. A new Book of Common Prayer was issued in 1662, and revised statutes were written for the cathedral. The music repertoire chosen was quite retrospective and old-fashioned until the 1680s, when new compositions arrived from the Chapel Royal and the organ was updated. The arrival of William of Orange, the Glorious Revolution of 1688, and the escape of James II to France led to the Toleration Act of the following year, allowing Non-Conformists to worship in their own chapels. But non-jurors, or clergy refusing to swear allegiance to a new king while the old one was still living, were expelled from their positions by Parliament. Five Worcester clergy were affected, including the dean and bishop, and the century ended with the cathedral under new leadership.