English Convents in Catholic Europe, c.1600-1800

In 1598, the first English convent since the dissolution of the monasteries was established in Brussels. Over the next two centuries, around four thousand women entered these religious houses. This book emphasizes the significance of the English convents as part of national and European Catholic culture, highlighting their role in the Catholic Reformation and their place within the transnational Church.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 233 pages
Publication date: 31 August 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

In 1598, a significant milestone was reached when the first English convent since the dissolution of the monasteries was established in Brussels. This marked the beginning of a remarkable expansion, with a further twenty-one foundations following suit, all proudly identifying as English institutions within Catholic Europe. Over the course of the next two centuries, approximately four thousand women sought solace and spiritual fulfillment within these religious houses. This captivating book delves into the profound significance of the English convents as integral components of national and European Catholic culture. Spanning the entirety of the exile period, it employs a wealth of rarely consulted archive material to provide a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the English Catholic experience. By situating the English Catholic journey within the broader context of the Catholic Reformation and Catholic Europe, James E. Kelly offers a transformative perspective on the convents. He emphasizes that they were not isolated entities but rather integral parts of a transnational Church that transcended national boundaries. The book's original and immersive structure takes the reader on a journey, from the initial entrance into the convent to the daily life within the enclosure, exploring the various aspects of the enterprise, including funding mechanisms and their place within the broader Catholic world. Through its meticulous research and engaging storytelling, this book offers a valuable contribution to our understanding of the convents and their enduring impact on the religious and cultural landscape of Europe.

Weight: 345g
ISBN-13: 9781108810463