Making Miracles in Medieval England

The cult of the saints was a significant part of medieval Christianity, driven by the hope of intercession and the praise of miracles. This book explores how people solicited aid from saints, gave thanks, and how post-mortem miracles structured the cult. Miracle stories from medieval England reveal details about ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances and show how people navigated the world with the aid of the saints.

Format: Hardback
Length: 156 pages
Publication date: 05 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The cult of the saints played a pivotal role in medieval Christianity, primarily due to the extraordinary nature of their lives and miracles. Saints, considered members of the elect of heaven, were believed to have the power to intervene on behalf of supplicants before God. While people visited shrines and offered prayers to saints for various reasons, the primary motivation behind the cult was the hope of intercession and the glorification of past miracles.

This book delves into the process of seeking aid from a saint, the expressions of gratitude, and the ways in which post-mortem miracles shaped the cult of the saints. A substantial number of miracle stories from medieval England have survived, preserved in dedicated collections, saints' lives, and various other source materials. These narratives encompass a wide range of human experiences, including relationships, vulnerability, and the rescue of individuals from diverse backgrounds within society. They offer valuable insights into the lives of ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances, revealing their coping mechanisms and reliance on the saints.

Saints were not limited to addressing specific issues but could assist with various challenges. They could help with wayward livestock, lost property, legal disputes, fires, plagues, and injuries. Moreover, saints could protect their communities, rectify the mistakes of their custodians, and even take revenge on those who mistreated them. A respectful relationship with a saint was believed to provide protection against any problem.

Making Miracles in Medieval England will captivate scholars and enthusiasts interested in religious practices during medieval England, medieval English culture, and medieval perceptions of miracles. It provides a comprehensive exploration of the cult of the saints, shedding light on the beliefs, practices, and societal implications of this significant aspect of medieval Christianity.

Weight: 470g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032071619