Walter Strickland (died 1569)
Walter Strickland (died 1569) was an English Member of Parliament during the reigns of Mary I and Elizabeth I.
Life:
Details of Strickland's early life and parentage are somewhat unclear, though he was associated with the Strickland family of Sizergh Castle in Westmorland (now Cumbria). The exact nature of his connection to the main line of the family, if any, requires further research.
Political Career:
Strickland served as a Member of Parliament for various constituencies:
- Westmorland in 1554 (April)
- Morpeth in 1559
- Arundel in 1563
He is best known for his radical Puritan views, particularly concerning ecclesiastical reform within the Church of England. In 1571, he introduced a bill in the House of Commons aimed at reforming the Book of Common Prayer. This bill proposed the removal of certain ceremonies and practices deemed "popish" or superstitious by more radical Protestants, such as kneeling at the reception of Holy Communion, the surplice, and the sign of the cross in baptism.
Strickland's initiative sparked immediate controversy and brought him into direct conflict with Queen Elizabeth I, who maintained a more conservative approach to religious reform. The Queen viewed Strickland's proposals as an infringement on the royal prerogative, which held the monarch as the Supreme Governor of the Church of England.
Consequences of his Actions:
As a consequence of introducing the bill, Strickland was summoned before the Privy Council and temporarily barred from attending Parliament. This act, although intended to silence his dissenting voice, only served to fuel further debate and discussion about the scope of parliamentary freedom of speech and the extent of the Queen's authority in religious matters.
The incident involving Walter Strickland is often cited as an early example of the tensions between the Crown and Parliament during Elizabeth's reign, particularly concerning religious issues. While his specific proposals were ultimately unsuccessful, Strickland's actions contributed to the ongoing development of Puritan thought and the movement for further religious reform in England.
Death:
Walter Strickland died in 1569, according to the original prompt, though this date appears to be inaccurate. He was active in Parliament in 1571. The cause and place of his death require further research. The date 1569 may be a confusion with the date he was first elected to Parliament.
Legacy:
Strickland is remembered as an early advocate for Puritan reform within the Church of England and a figure who challenged the boundaries of parliamentary privilege in the face of royal authority.