Saint Simon de Montfort: The Miracles, Laments, Prayers and Hymns

A miracle book, prayers, and hymns inspired by Simon de Montfort provide rare evidence of an unusual aspect of popular religion in 1265. The book records two hundred alleged events and reflects the bitterness, despair, and longing of the cult. The documents illustrate local and social history, popular religion, and contemporary opinion across social ranks at a time of crisis.

Format: Hardback
Length: 236 pages
Publication date: 05 March 2024
Publisher: Boydell & Brewer Ltd

A remarkable testament to the unique nature of popular religion can be found in the pages of a miracle book, prayers, and hymns inspired by the influential figure of Simon de Montfort. In 1265, Simon de Montfort, a nobleman, led a rebellion against Henry III, ultimately resulting in his demise at the Battle of Evesham. This rebellion, driven by a desire for political and governmental reforms, garnered significant support from the populace, manifesting as a popular protest movement. However, it was Earl Simon, the leader of the rebellion, who quickly became the focus of an unofficial miracle cult. This cult, which lasted until approximately 1280, centered around the grave of Simon in Evesham Abbey. It was a secretive practice that required participants to conduct it in private for a minimum of two years. Despite Earl Simon's remarkable influence and the extraordinary events documented in the Evesham miracle book, he was never officially canonized. This book chronicles over two hundred alleged miracles, and the contemporaneous laments, prayers, and hymns reflect the deep emotions of bitterness, despair, and longing that fueled the cult. The previous edition of the miracle book was published in 1840, while many of the verses and prayers had already been printed in various publications over the years. However, they were dispersed and lacked a standardized format. The majority of the documents are written in Latin, with a few in French. Fortunately, some of these items have been translated into English prose, allowing a broader audience to appreciate their historical significance. Collectively, the Evesham miracle book provides a valuable insight into local and social history, popular religion, and contemporary opinions during a period of crisis. It sheds light on the beliefs and practices of the time, revealing the diverse perspectives and experiences of individuals across different social ranks. This remarkable collection of documents serves as a testament to the enduring power of religion and its ability to shape and influence society during times of upheaval.

Weight: 488g
Dimension: 163 x 242 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781837650842