Monastic and Religious Orders in Britain, 1000–1300

by Janet Burton

• ISBN13: 9780521377973
• ISBN10: 0521377978
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1994-01-28
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Summary

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.

Table of Contents

Preface

1. Before the Normans

2. The coming of the Normans

3. The regular Canons

4. The new 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.