Around the city - thoughts on Exeter’s past 12

A bridge in time by Rev’d Paul Collings 

Originally from Cornwall, Robert Welsh(e) was appointed the vicar of St Thomas Church in 1537. In 1549, Welsh was a part of the Western Rebellion - also known as the Prayer Book Rebellion - joining Catholic rebels who refused to accept the Protestantism being forced upon them by the King's men. Eventually, 6,000 armed rebels descended upon Exeter. However, it is Welsh who is said to have stepped in to prevent rebels from burning Exeter to the ground; possibly at the old Exe bridge. According to Exeter historian John Hooker who was alive at the time, Robert Welsh was, "the arch captain and principal doer, an active director of the rebellion." Welsh was sentenced to death, his execution carried out by Bernard Duffield, a protestant councillor who wanted to make an example of him. Duffield raised the gallows on the steeple of St Thomas Church and Welsh was bound in chains and strung up for all to see. John Hooker wrote: "[He was] hung in chains, having on his priest's vestments, with a holy bucket, a sprinkling brush, a small bell, a pair of beads, and other Romish articles hung about him; where he remained for a long time.

Roman’s 14:1-4 As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand.

Hidden for years this old stoneware

Stood in the west, this thoroughfare,

Were foe and friend along that road

Would carry wares and heavy loads.

Just on that spot battles were fought,

Opposing forces, clashing thought,

Of how to pray, what form to take;

How dare these principles forsake.  

Both holding to religious faith,

In battle lines a haunting wraith

Of parties fighting there to win

The prize, to conquer other’s ‘sin’.

Lord, when opposing views I hold,

Help me to see, perhaps that gold

Another human mind perceives

And with new insight truth receive.

Help me in that new freedom find

Joyous renewing of my mind,

And in your lasting truth to seal

Your purpose in my life revealed.

The major dilemma is that we tend to listen to reply, while all we should do is: listen to understand and feel.” ― Akilnathan Logeswaran