Religion: Episcopus Puerorum

The medieval church was strong on mummery. A common ecclesiastical practice was to elect a “boy bishop” (Episcopus Puerorum) to hold office from the Eve of St. Nicholas, Dec. 5, to Holy Innocents’ Day, Dec. 28. Salisbury Cathedral contains an elaborate monument to such a boy bishop who died “in office” and was buried with full episcopal honors.

This year in Addlestone, Surrey, St. Mary of the Angels’ Song School continued the ancient tradition by having schoolboy Dennis McMichael of Birmingham “consecrated” in full panoply—mitre, crozier, and ring (see cut). Addlestone’s 1945 boy bishop has no church duties, officiates in leading deputations of other boys to visit the sick, sing carols, etc.