The Chertsey Tiles, the Crusades, and Global Textile Motifs

Reconstruction of the fragmented images and lost Latin texts surrounding these medieval floor tiles sheds light on their global connections.

Amanda Luyster (Author)

9781009485982, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 21 December 2023

102 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 0.8 cm, 0.287 kg

While visual cultures mingled comfortably along the silk roads and on the shores of the Mediterranean, medieval England has sometimes been viewed – by both medieval and more recent writers – as isolated. In this Element the author introduces new evidence to show that this understanding of medieval England's visual relationship to the rest of the world demands revision. An international team led by the author has completed a digital reconstruction of the so-called Chertsey combat tiles (sophisticated pictorial floor tiles made c. 1250, England), including both images and lost Latin texts. Grounded in the discoveries made while completing this reconstruction, the author proposes new conclusions regarding the historical circumstances within which the Chertsey tiles were commissioned and their significant connections with global textile traditions.

Introduction
1. The Reconstructed Program: Battles in the Holy Land
2. A Learned, Literary Composition in Latin
3. Findspots: Chertsey Abbey and Winchester Cathedral
4. Commission: Westminster Palace
5. Combats in Medallions: Cross-cultural Tiles & Textiles
Conclusion: Carpets, Clay, and 'Eastern Lords'
Appendix.

Subject Areas: General & world history [HBG]