Monastic and Religious Orders in Britain, 1000–1300

This book is a comprehensive study of the constitutional developments of the monastic orders in Britain between 1000 and 1300.

Janet Burton (Author)

9780521377973, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 28 January 1994

368 pages, 4 b/w illus. 6 maps
21.6 x 14 x 2.1 cm, 0.47 kg

"...by its intelligent, lucid, and detailed summary of the very extensive research published during that half century, it is likely to prove as durable and as valuable to students as the works by Knowles." Journal of British Studies

This book traces the development of monasticism in England, Scotland and Wales from the last half century of Anglo-Saxon England to 1300. It explores the nature of the impact of the Norman settlement on monastic life, and how Britain responded to new, European ideas on monastic life. In particular, it examines Britain's response to the needs of religious women. It covers every aspect of the life and work of the religious orders: their daily life, the buildings in which they lived, their contribution to intellectual developments and to the economy. Particular attention is paid to the relationship between religious houses and their founders and patrons. This shows the degree of dependence of religious houses on local patrons. Indeed, one major theme which emerges from the book is the constant tension between the ideals of monastic communities and the demands of the world.

List of illustrations
Preface
1. Before the Normans
2. The coming of the Normans
3. The regular canons
4. The new monastic orders of the twelfth century
5. Women and the religious life
6. The mendicant orders
7. The physical setting: monastic buildings and the monastic plan
8. Inside a religious house: daily life and the chain of command
9. Learning and literary activities
10. Religious houses and the wider community: founders, patrons and benefactors
11. The monastic economy
12. On the brink of change
Glossary
Notes
Select bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: Early history: c 500 to c 1450/1500 [HBLC], British & Irish history [HBJD1]