Parish Church Musicians in England in the Reign of Elizabeth I (1558–1603): An annotated register

Contrary to popular belief, music in English parish churches did not cease during the reign of Elizabeth I. Admittedly, parish church music-making did not flourish, and many puritans objected, in their published pamphlets, to the use of polyphony in church services, but music did not stop altogether. The criticisms contained in the pamphlets were aimed especially at the cathedrals, though many parish churches at the beginning of the reign undoubtedly possessed choirs which sang polyphony.