Catechumens

Those undergoing instruction in preparation for their baptism into the Christian church.

Spiritualism

System of beliefs and practices intended to establish communication with the spirits of the dead.

National schools

Schools set up by Anglican clergy and their local supporters, initially run by single teachers using the monitorial system.

Convent of Poor Clares, Gravelines

Convent in the Spanish Netherlands (now in northern France), founded in 1607 by Mary Ward, a community of English nuns of the Order of St Clare. Commonly called the Poor Clares.

Number of the beast

Hideous beast whose number is 666, introduced in the Book of Revelation, which many have seen as a description of the end of the world.