Memory and the Dissolution of the Monasteries in Early Modern England

The dissolution of the monasteries in early modern England was a significant event that shaped contemporary historical consciousness, the topographical imagination, and local tradition. Memory and the Dissolution explores this historical moment through a long chronological view, revealing how it was remembered and how this memory evolved in subsequent generations. It challenges the assumptions of conventional historiography and exposes the fall of the religious houses as one of the most profound and controversial transformations of the English Reformation.

Format: Hardback
Length: 300 pages
Publication date: 21 October 2021
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The dissolution of the monasteries in early modern England was a momentous event that reverberated across religious, cultural, and socio-economic realms. It left a lasting impact on contemporary historical consciousness, shaping the way we perceive the past and influencing the development of local traditions. In her book "Memory and the Dissolution," Harriet Lyon challenges the conventional narrative of this period, arguing that a long-term chronological perspective and an exploration of personal memories can provide a richer understanding of this historical moment.

Lyon argues that the fall of the religious houses was not just a political or economic decision but a deeply emotional and transformative experience for those who witnessed it. She explores how the memory of the dissolution was passed down through generations, with different accounts and interpretations shaping the way it was remembered. By exposing and repudiating the assumptions of a conventional historiography that has been heavily influenced by Henrician narratives and sources, Lyon reveals the fall of the religious houses as one of the most profound and controversial transformations of the entire English Reformation.

The dissolution of the monasteries had far-reaching consequences for the religious, cultural, and social landscape of early modern England. It led to the dispersal of land and wealth, the rise of new religious orders, and the development of a more secular and individualistic society. The memory of the dissolution continues to be a source of fascination and debate, with historians and scholars exploring its impact on the development of English society and culture.

In conclusion, the dissolution of the monasteries was a seismic rupture in the religious, cultural, and socio-economic fabric of early modern England. It shaped contemporary historical consciousness, influenced the topographical imagination, and left a lasting impact on local traditions. Harriet Lyon's "Memory and the Dissolution" provides a fresh perspective on this historical moment, challenging conventional narratives and revealing the fall of the religious houses as one of the most profound and controversial transformations of the English Reformation.

Weight: 586g
Dimension: 162 x 235 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781316516409