ABSTRACT
Most in Wessex were drawn from the lower orders of society who had little power to influence the course of events. The early changes of the Reformation-the break with Rome, the elevation of the monarchy to the position of Supreme Head of the Church, the dissolution of the monasteries-had little effect upon the parish churches or their parishioners. Individual justices also had considerable powers to try minor cases, and to supervise the administration of the parish officers, for local government also depended heavily upon the unpaid work of other officials, churchwardens, overseers of the poor, waywardens and parish constables. The Civil War had a devastating effect upon Wessex, for as well as the major battles which were fought in the region, the damage caused by the constant passage of the armies of both sides was immense. The great battles and the capture or loss of towns and castles were only part of the story of the Civil War in Wessex.
