The Customs of Old England

"The Customs of Old England" by F. J. Snell is a historical exploration that sheds light on the traditional practices of old England, focusing on their importance in medieval society. Snell, writing from the perspective of an educated early 20th-century Englishman, seeks to illuminate these customs and their impact on the culture of the time. The book starts by highlighting the central theme of old English customs and their close connection with medieval life. It studies ecclesiastical practices such as "Leagues of Prayer," where communities unified through prayers for both the living and the deceased. Through these examinations, the book reveals the rituals themselves and their wide-ranging effects on the foundations of medieval society.