Body and law in late Anglo-Saxon England
Katherine O’Brien O’Keeffe
This article explores some textual dimensions of what I argue is a crucial moment in the history Anglo-Saxon subject. For purposes temporal triangulation, would locate this between roughly 970 and 1035, though these dates function merely as crude, if potent, signposts: years 970×973 mark adoption Regularis concordia , ecclesiastical agreement on practice reformed (and markedly continental) monasticism, 1035 marks death Cnut, Danish king England, whose laws encode change understanding individual before law. These bracket rich chaotic time England: apex project reform, flourishing monastic culture, efflorescence both Latin vernacular literatures, remarkable manuscript production, but also renewal Viking wars that seemed at times to be signs apocalypse ultimately put Dane throne England. point two powerful continuing sets interests late secular, royal, relationships were never simple. exploration subject England it illuminated by law draws texts associated with each argues their interconnection. Its departure will body – way configured, regarded, regulated read It focuses particular use which juridical discourse: increasing role schemes inquiry punishment ways comes used know control
Anglo-Saxon England