Saints, Cure-Seekers and Miraculous Healing in Twelfth-Century England

The book explores the journey from ill health to miraculous cure through the lens of hagiographical texts from twelfth-century England, focusing on seven shorter miracula with a localised appeal. It examines the cults of the saints, who acted as patrons and protectors, and the experiences of cure-seekers in securing saintly assistance. The volume combines studies of healthcare and pilgrimage, looking at the alternative to secular medical intervention and the practicalities and processes of securing saintly assistance.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 262 pages
Publication date: 13 February 2024
Publisher: York Medieval Press

The cults of the saints played a vital role in the medieval Church, serving as patrons and protectors to religious communities and devotees seeking divine intervention. Among the collections of posthumous miracle stories, known as miracula, accounts of holy healing stand out, depicting individuals successfully obtaining their desired remedy for a wide range of ailments and afflictions. This book seeks to explore the experiences of cure-seekers on their journey from ill health to recovery through an in-depth study of Latin miracle accounts produced in twelfth-century England. This period witnessed the flourishing of saint cults and the increasing transmission and dissemination of classical and Arabic medical works. The book focuses on seven shorter miracula, including Eadmer of Canterbury's Miracula S. Dunstani and Thomas of Monmouth's Vita et Passione S. Wilelmi Martyris Norwicensis, with a predominantly localised appeal. These miracula revolve around a select group of cure-seekers, such as Abbot Osbert of Notley who suffered from an eye complaint, Leofmær the bedridden knight, and Gaufrid who experienced a bad tooth extraction. By examining these accounts, the book explores the alternative to secular medical intervention and delves into the practicalities and processes involved in seeking saintly assistance.

The cults of the saints held a significant place within the medieval Church, serving as patrons and guardians to religious communities and devotees seeking divine intervention. Among the collections of posthumous miracle stories, known as miracula, accounts of holy healing stand out, depicting individuals successfully obtaining their desired remedy for a wide range of ailments and afflictions. This book aims to explore the experiences of cure-seekers on their journey from ill health to recovery through an in-depth study of Latin miracle accounts produced in twelfth-century England. This period witnessed the flourishing of saint cults and the increasing transmission and dissemination of classical and Arabic medical works. The book focuses on seven shorter miracula, including Eadmer of Canterbury's Miracula S. Dunstani and Thomas of Monmouth's Vita et Passione S. Wilelmi Martyris Norwicensis, with a predominantly localised appeal. These miracula revolve around a select group of cure-seekers, such as Abbot Osbert of Notley who suffered from an eye complaint, Leofmær the bedridden knight, and Gaufrid who experienced a bad tooth extraction. By examining these accounts, the book explores the alternative to secular medical intervention and delves into the practicalities and processes involved in seeking saintly assistance.

The cults of the saints played a vital role in the medieval Church, serving as patrons and protectors to religious communities and devotees seeking divine intervention. Among the collections of posthumous miracle stories, known as miracula, accounts of holy healing stand out, depicting individuals successfully obtaining their desired remedy for a wide range of ailments and afflictions. This book seeks to explore the experiences of cure-seekers on their journey from ill health to recovery through an in-depth study of Latin miracle accounts produced in twelfth-century England. This period witnessed the flourishing of saint cults and the increasing transmission and dissemination of classical and Arabic medical works. The book focuses on seven shorter miracula, including Eadmer of Canterbury's Miracula S. Dunstani and Thomas of Monmouth's Vita et Passione S. Wilelmi Martyris Norwicensis, with a predominantly localised appeal. These miracula revolve around a select group of cure-seekers, such as Abbot Osbert of Notley who suffered from an eye complaint, Leofmær the bedridden knight, and Gaufrid who experienced a bad tooth extraction. By examining these accounts, the book explores the alternative to secular medical intervention and delves into the practicalities and processes involved in seeking saintly assistance.

Weight: 410g
Dimension: 156 x 234 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781914049217