The Augustinian canons in the Diocese of Worcester and their relation to secular and ecclesiastical powers in the Later Middle Ages

In the later medieval period the Augustinian canons flourished in England, yet they have received relatively little scholarly attention. This thesis attempts to integrate the evidence for the eight houses in the diocese of Worcester and contribute to the knowledge of the Augustinian canons by analyzing how the canons related to those outside the monasteries and whether or not a cohesive Augustinian identity can be identified. Focusing on the relations between the canons and the secular and religious power structures, this thesis seeks to place the canons within the broader ecclesiastical and cultural framework in later Medieval England. Chapter one provides the broader context for the thesis, describing the origins of the order and its expansion into England, and the specific foundations of the monasteries in Worcester diocese. It also describes the wider monastic situation in Worcester, surveying the monasteries of other orders in the diocese. Chapters two and three explore and analyze the interactions between the canons and the secular powers in England. Though there were many benefits to close relationships with the most powerful people in England, many expectations came with such connections. In chapter three, the administration and effects of the Statute of Mortmain, the legislation most aimed at the religious in England will be examined. Chapters four and five focus on the relations between the canons and the ecclesiastical powers in medieval England. A detailed analysis of the interactions between the leading ecclesiastical powers and the canons is in chapter four. In chapter five, the question of the canons and their parish churches is considered. The importance of spiritualities for the canons and whether or not the canons undertook parish ministry serve as the key points of exploration in the search for the Augustinian identity. l

Name dc:type.qualificationname

phd

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

doctoral

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Wales Trinity Saint David

Year dc:date.issued

2023

Author dc:creator

• Nichols, Donald Dean

• BX Enwadau Cristnogol
• DA Prydain Fawr

Dc Identifier Grantnumber

UWTSD

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.uwtsd.ac.uk:2511