Monasticism in Late Medieval England, C.1300-1535

by Heale, Martin

• ISBN13: 9780719071744
• ISBN10: 0719071747
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2009-04-01
• Publisher: Manchester University Press

Summary

Monasticism in Late Medieval England, c.1300-1535provides the first collection of translated sources on this subject. The volume covers both male and female houses of all orders and sizes, and offers a range of new perspectives on the character and reputation of English monasteries in the later middle ages.The first section surveys the internal affairs of English monasteries, including recruitment, the monastic economy, standards of observance and learning. The second part looks at the relations between monasteries and the world, exploring the monastic contribution to late medieval religion and society and lay attitudes towards monks and nuns in the years leading up to the Dissolution.This book is an ideal introduction to this topic for students and scholars. Supported by an extended and accessible introduction, this collection of documents gives an unrivalled insight into the last phase of monastic life in medieval England.

Author Biography

Martin Heale is Lecturer in Medieval History at the University of Liverpool.

Table of Contents

Foreword * Preface and acknowledgements  * Introduction: Monasticism in late medieval England, c.1300--1535 * PART ONE: MONASTIC LIFE IN LATE MEDIEVAL ENGLAND * The Essence of the monastic life: the Benedictine rule * Recruitment and Economy * Everyday life and administration * Buildings and adornment * Reform and visitation * Liturgy and spirituality * Learning * PART TWO: MONASTERIES AND THE WORLD * Monastic foundation and suppression in the later middle ages * Patronage * The Religious services of late medieval monasteries * The social services of late medieval monasteries * Relations with lay neighbours * Criticism of the monastic life * Monasteries and the crown * Bibliography of printed works cited * Index