Urban Society and Monastic Lordship in Reading, 1350-1600

This book challenges the traditional view of turbulent and violent town-abbey relations by examining the governmental, guild, parish, and testamentary records of Reading, one of the more populous monastic towns of the period. It reveals a largely non-violent relationship between towns and their monastic lords, problematizing the more traditional characterisation and interrogating its universality. By combining traditional research methods with Social Network Analysis, the author looks at lower-status members of society and how they interacted with the successive governing authorities, uncovering continuities and changes to local governance during this turbulent period.

Format: Hardback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 13 December 2022
Publisher: Boydell & Brewer Ltd

The influence of the medieval Church extended far beyond the realm of religion. Bishops and monasteries held dominion over extensive territories, often exercising political and judicial authority surpassing that of secular lords. Early twentieth-century scholarship portrayed towns with monastic lords as unique, characterized by strong lordship and turbulent town-abbey relations. However, subsequent research has significantly nuanced this portrayal, challenging the notion of inherent violence in these relationships.

In contrast, this book offers a different perspective by examining the governmental, guild, parish, and testamentary records of Reading, one of the more populous monastic towns during that period. Through a comprehensive analysis of these sources, the book presents a view of town-abbey relations as predominantly non-violent, challenging the traditional characterization and questioning its universal applicability. By combining traditional research methods with Social Network Analysis, the author expands the scope beyond the political elites and institutionalized bodies, such as the corporation, to explore the interactions of lower-status individuals with the successive governing authorities.

In particular, the book investigates the continuities and changes in local governance experienced by these individuals during a turbulent period. By delving into the details of their experiences, the book sheds light on the complex dynamics and evolving relationships between towns, monasteries, and the broader societal context of the Middle Ages. This study contributes to our understanding of the multifaceted nature of medieval society and the complexities of urban governance during a period of significant change and transformation.

Weight: 506g
Dimension: 163 x 242 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781783277568