Recusant

Someone who refused to attend, known as a recusant, faced a one-shilling fine for each absence. Wealthier Catholics could more easily pay this than poorer Catholics. Compulsory attendance encouraged outward conformity, but it could not guarantee that people accepted Protestant beliefs privately.

People who refused to attend were called recusants. Information about non-attendance was passed to the Privy Council, connecting local religious life with central government.