Introduced by Prunella Scales In the 16th century Mrs Cranmer , one of the earliest parsons' wives, was rumoured to have hidden in a box whenever she went out, for fear of embarrassing her husband. Four centuries later, clergy wives are finding life just as difficult. The fictional stereotype still dominates public perceptions: the dowdy figure who, as well as running her own home on a shoestring, teaches Sunday school, arranges flowers, organises fetes, runs the Mothers' Union and provides endless cups of tea and a sympathetic ear. In the past, wives have accepted their role as their husband's unpaid curate. But times are changing. Everyman meets five clergy wives who talk about the reality behind the stereotype.