The Haskins Society Journal 33: 2021. Studies in Medieval History

Volume 33 of the Haskins Society Journal explores the role of Anglo-Saxon bishops in coastal defense, the Anglo-Norman period, peasant labor, the office of sheriff, and the formation of Anglo-Norman elite identity. It also includes essays on Queen Ingeborg of Denmark and the use of art in French sermons.

Format: Hardback
Length: 196 pages
Publication date: 21 March 2023
Publisher: Boydell & Brewer Ltd

Volume 33 of the Haskins Society Journal is a testament to the Society's unwavering commitment to historical and interdisciplinary research from the early and central Middle Ages. This volume showcases the Society's belief in the transformative power of closely examining primary sources, as it offers fresh insights and significant revisions into our understanding of the past.

In the first article, the authors delve into the crucial role of Anglo-Saxon bishops in the provision of coastal defense during the early and central Middle Ages. Through a comprehensive analysis, they shed light on the strategies employed by these bishops to safeguard their territories against maritime threats. The subsequent articles explore diverse aspects of the Anglo-Norman period. The place of sex at the royal court is examined, revealing the complex dynamics and societal norms governing gender relations during this time. Anglo-Norman prelates' penitential sensibilities are explored, highlighting their moral and ethical concerns and the ways in which they expressed them through their geographical practices. The authors also examine the complexities of using Anglo-Norman land surveys as evidence for the nature of and changes in peasant labor and obligations. They argue that these surveys provide valuable insights into the economic and social structures of the period.

The Denis Bethell Prize-winning essay, titled "The Translation of Denis Piramus' French Translation of the Life of Edmund, King of England," delves into the role of translated texts in the formation of Anglo-Norman elite identity. The essay employs a close analysis of Denis Piramus' French translation of the Life of Edmund to explore how it shaped the perceptions and self-identity of the Anglo-Norman ruling class.

The volume concludes with three insightful essays. The first essay examines Queen Ingeborg of Denmark's conception and expression of her role as a Capetian queen. The author analyzes Ingeborg's political strategies, her relationships with other rulers, and her contributions to the consolidation of the Capetian dynasty in France. The second essay explores the use and meaning of direct and metaphorical references to art and artists in French sermons in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. The authors examine how these references were employed to convey religious messages, promote artistic excellence, and enhance the aesthetic appeal of sermons. The third essay examines the role of the office of sheriff in the developing common law. The authors argue that the sheriff played a crucial role in maintaining law and order in Anglo-Norman society and explore how their functions and responsibilities evolved over time.

Contributors to this volume include renowned scholars such as Yaoling Dai, Gabrielle Faundez-Rojas, P.D.A. Harvey, Charles Insley, Tom Licence, Sara Lipton, Anne C. Schlender, and Nigel Tringham. Their contributions enrich the understanding of the early and central Middle Ages and shed light on the complex and multifaceted nature of this historical period.

In conclusion, Volume 33 of the Haskins Society Journal continues to uphold the Society's commitment to historical and interdisciplinary research. Through the close examination of primary sources and the exploration of diverse topics, this volume offers valuable insights into the past and contributes to our understanding of the world.

Weight: 454g
Dimension: 163 x 242 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781783277520