Born: Unknown, possibly 1600s
Died: Unknown, possibly after 1637
Nationality: Scottish
Occupation: Vendor (seller of goods)

Known for: Initiating a riot against the introduction of the English Book of Common Prayer in Scotland

Very little is known about the early life of Jenny Geddes, including her birth date and family background. She is believed to have been a vendor, specifically a market-seller of goods such as fruits and vegetables, in Edinburgh, Scotland, during the 17th century¹⁾.

===== The St. Giles' Incident (1637) =====

Jenny Geddes is most famous for an event that took place on July 23, 1637, at St. Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh. On that day, a new version of the Book of Common Prayer, which was seen by many Scots as an attempt by King Charles I and Archbishop William Laud to impose Anglican practices on the Presbyterian Church of Scotland, was to be used in the service for the first time²⁾.

According to tradition, as Dean James Hannay began reading from the new prayer book, Jenny Geddes stood up from her stool in the congregation and hurled it at his head, shouting, “Daur ye say Mass in my lug?” (Scots for “Dare you say Mass in my ear?”). Her act of defiance is said to have sparked a riot in the church, leading to widespread protests across Scotland against the imposition of Anglican worship practices³⁾.

While the historical accuracy of this specific incident is debated, with some suggesting it might be apocryphal or exaggerated, the story of Jenny Geddes became symbolic of the broader resistance to the religious changes imposed by Charles I and his government. The unrest eventually contributed to the Bishops' Wars (1639–1640), a series of conflicts between the King and Scotland over church governance⁴⁾.

Jenny Geddes' stool-throwing has become a potent symbol of resistance to tyranny and unwanted religious reforms. Although there is no official record of her life beyond the St. Giles' incident, she has entered Scottish folklore as a heroine of Presbyterianism⁵⁾.

In Edinburgh, there is a commemorative plaque in St. Giles' Cathedral, and a replica of her stool can be seen in the church. Her name is often evoked to represent the Scottish people's determination to resist religious or political oppression⁶⁾.

The figure of Jenny Geddes has appeared in various works of art and literature, including poems, plays, and historical novels. Her act of rebellion has been cited as an example of how ordinary citizens can have a significant impact on the course of history⁷⁾.