Merton Priory as a Centre of Learning 1117-1538

This thesis examines aspects of Merton’s history connected to the learning of its canons, with two underlying themes: a) the nature of learning within the priory, and b) the contribution of the canons of the priory to wider scholarship and learning during the Middle Ages. Chapter 1 contextualises Merton within the more general Augustinian movement, discussing the historiography of the Augustinians and of mediæval learning and scholarship, and gives an overview of the sources used in the thesis. Chapter 2 sets out the spiritual context of Augustinian priories in general and Merton Priory in particular, investigating liturgy and daily activities within the monastery, and using two foundational texts, the lives of Gilbert the Sheriff and Guy of Merton. Chapter 3 explores the library, both the physical location and the collection of books and manuscripts within the monastery. It includes a discussion of each of the extant books and manuscripts. Chapter 4 moves on to those who read, and wrote or copied, these books. The focus of this chapter is basic education: how literate canons needed to be and how they were taught; what Merton’s educational responsibilities were towards the secular church and how it fulfilled them. Chapter 5 looks at Merton’s relationship with the schools/ universities, and singles out for discussion several individual scholars amongst the canons of the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. The final chapter moves to the fifteenth century, focussing on individual priors shaped the monastery and its learning. This chapter ends with the ending of the priory itself, examining the scholarship of its canons up to and beyond the Dissolution of the Monasteries. This thesis shows the continuity of learning at Merton during its lifespan, and contributes to our understanding of both the Augustinians as an order and the learning and education of regular clergy.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

phd

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

doctoral

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Wales Trinity Saint David

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Hawks, Katharine Rachel

• BL Crefydd

Dc Identifier Grantnumber

UWTSD

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.uwtsd.ac.uk:3931