Catechesis, Socialization and Play in a Catholic Household,c.1660: the ‘Children’s Exercises’ from the Blundell Papers

Abstract

Among the papers of the Blundell family of Little Crosby, Lancashire, are two dramatic sketches entitled ‘An Exercise to Embolden the Children in Speaking’ and ‘Children Emboldened to Speak. By an Exercise’. They were written by William Blundell, recusant, royalist and Lancashire gentleman, in 1663 and 1665 for his daughters and their cousins to perform, probably at Christmas family gatherings. Humorously mingling Catholic catechesis, social education, the exercise of parental authority and childish misbehaviour, these sketches open a rare window onto the life of a Catholic household in the Restoration era. They offer an opportunity to explore the household as the location for the practice and appropriation of religion.