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Updated:Apr 23, 2026
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Chester Mystery Plays (c. 1380–1575)

Chester Mystery Plays (c. 1380–1575)

  1. Liturgical drama spreads beyond church services

    Labels: Liturgical Drama
  2. Chester’s biblical cycle tradition begins to form

    Labels: Chester Cycle
  3. Earliest surviving record of Chester play activity

    Labels: Chester Guilds
  4. Three-day cycle performed at Corpus Christi festival

    Labels: Corpus Christi
  5. Processional “pageant wagon” staging becomes central

    Labels: Pageant Wagons
  6. Cycle shifts toward Whitsuntide civic performance

    Labels: Whitsun Plays
  7. Official “Banns” publicize the plays and rules

    Labels: Banns Notifications
  8. Reformation pressure drives revisions and controversy

    Labels: Reformation Pressure
  9. Chester leaders challenged for staging plays in 1572

    Labels: 1572 Challenge
  10. Last recorded full Chester cycle performance

    Labels: Last Full
  11. Late-1500s manuscripts preserve the cycle after performance ends

    Labels: 1591 Manuscript
  12. Festival of Britain revival restarts public Chester performances

    Labels: 1951 Revival