"Corpus Christi day, marked by a religious procession and the long performance of the Mystery Plays, was the most significant annual occasion in York civic life."

The Lord Mayor, Councillor Irene Waudby

The Incredulity of Thomas

The apostles shelter in their rooms, fearful to go out into a hostile city. As they try to come to terms with the events they have witnessed, Jesus appears amongst them to their joy and consternation.

Thomas, coming late to the scene, needs more proof than the words of his friends however. This proof is forthcoming as the resurrected Christ once more stands amongst his disciples, inviting Thomas to touch his wounds for himself, reminding him at the same time that many will hear and believe through faith alone.

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The Guild of Scriveners

In an age when most people could not read, the Scriveners were responsible for copying out and decorating books, and for writing letters and other documents.

It seems appropriate that this Guild should own the only known "original" of a play from the York Cycle that is a single copy of their play alone. The earliest reference to the Guild comes in the list of Pageants for the Corpus Christi Play of 1415.

The Guild was revived in 1991, and is now composed of accountants, lawyers and actuaries. The Guild's objectives are to promote high standards of work, to educate members and students, to carry on benevolent activities, and to be involved in the civic life of the City.

It has been suggested that the play of Doubting Thomas eminently suits a Guild with a large number of accountants and lawyers.


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The Creation of the World Noah and the Flood Moses and Pharaoh The Angels and Shepherds The Baptism of Christ The Woman taken in Adultery and The Raising of Lazarus The Conspiracy against Jesus The Death of Christ The Incredulity of Thomas The Last Judgement "Corpus Christi day, marked by a religious procession and the long performance of the Mystery Plays, was the most significant annual occasion in York civic life." The Lord Mayor, Councillor Irene Waudby	The Incredulity of Thomas
	The apostles shelter in their rooms, fearful to go out into a hostile city. As they try to come to terms with the events they have witnessed, Jesus appears amongst them to their joy and consternation. Thomas, coming late to the scene, needs more proof than the words of his friends however. This proof is forthcoming as the resurrected Christ once more stands amongst his disciples, inviting Thomas to touch his wounds for himself, reminding him at the same time that many will hear and believe through faith alone.
	View a larger image of this play	The Guild of Scriveners In an age when most people could not read, the Scriveners were responsible for copying out and decorating books, and for writing letters and other documents.
	It seems appropriate that this Guild should own the only known "original" of a play from the York Cycle that is a single copy of their play alone. The earliest reference to the Guild comes in the list of Pageants for the Corpus Christi Play of 1415.
	The Guild was revived in 1991, and is now composed of accountants, lawyers and actuaries. The Guild's objectives are to promote high standards of work, to educate members and students, to carry on benevolent activities, and to be involved in the civic life of the City. It has been suggested that the play of Doubting Thomas eminently suits a Guild with a large number of accountants and lawyers.