November 1.
All Saints.[405]
Inscriptions in Churches.
A remarkable colloquy between queen Elizabeth and dean Nowell at St. Paul’s cathedral on the 1st of November, 1561, is said to have originated the usage of inscribing texts of scripture in English on the inner side of the church-walls as we still see them in many parishes.
Her majesty having attended worship “went straight to the vestry, and applying herself to the dean, thus she spoke to him.”
Q.Mr. Dean, how came it to pass that a new service-book was placed on my cushion?
To which the dean answered:
D.May it please your majesty, I caused it to be placed there.
Then said the queen: