Why did Mompesson replace Thomas Stanley rector of eyam?

Answer 1

Stanley was born at Duckmanton near Chesterfield, a Puritan, republican and follower of Cromwell. Puritans didn't believe in bishops, dancing, or personal enjoyment such as going for a walk on Sunday (except to church) or anything connected with the images of Catholicism (see Puritans and the Mayflower). Churchgoers weren't even allowed to kneel in church, there was no separation of the people by the altar rail and they advocated that rectors should be chosen by the people (not the church hierarchy). So when Cromwell died and King Charles II was brought back to the throne, an act was passed stating that all rectors had to be appointed and to give an oath of allegiance to the king. They were also banned from preaching within five miles of their old parish. At the same time a new, updated type of prayer book was introduced that many didn't like. Like a lot of Puritans, Thomas Stanley refused to swear the oath of alliegance and resigned his office. He was fortunate that he was not banished from the area but allowed to remain by the local earl because of his previous fifteen years of good service.