I need to find more information than I have on the following
question, and wonder if anyone can suggest some sources:
For several centuries, the Church would not allow actors, jugglers,
and like entertainers to be buried in consecrated ground.
What was the rationale? I suspect it might have had something to
do with canon law regarding exclusion of, among others,
"notorious members" of secret societies or more probably,
those considered to be excommunicated as "public sinners".
Since the categories of "vitandi" (those to be shunned) and the
somewhat more acceptable "tolerati" were not clearly distinguished
until the 15th century, I expect there to have been some inconsistency
according to place and time; but, if I have it right, actors,
jongleurs, etc. were excluded from consecrated ground (and also
Christian burial?) as a _class_, and throughout at least Western
Christendom for several centuries.
Again, any sources, tips or trails, be they regarding England or
elsewhere, from the point of view of drama, religion, sociology, &c.
would be very appreciated. Please reply directly to me, unless this
is a topic of interest to others. As a recent member, forgive me if
this has been done before.
Many thanks.
Tony Amodeo
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