This collection of essays is intended to contribute to the debate on the nature and extent of early-modern puritanism. It highlights several important aspects of this culture, such as sermon gadding, fasting, the strict observance of Sunday and iconoclasm.

Based on the private papers of the Harley family of Brampton Bryan and in particular on the letters of Lady Brilliana Harley (1598 - 1643), which contain an unparalleled account of the development of civil war parties in an English county.

An accessible, concise and much-needed introduction for students to the state of research on women's history in the early modern period.