Nunneries and the Anglo-Saxon Royal Houses
David Rollason
THIS book, which forms part of the series ‘Women, Power and Politics’ (edited by June Hannam Pauline Stafford), is notable for its clarity both expression purpose, freedom from sort feminist jargon so marred, example, Stephanie Hollis, Anglo-Saxon Women Church (Woodbridge, 1992). Yorke's principal aim clearly enunciated at outset: to explore ‘the interrelationship nunneries with royal houses supported them, consequences that relationship their operation as religious communities’ (p. 9). Although there have, course, been other studies nunneries, is, she comments, first embrace whole period, especially such single-minded commitment a particular line questioning. The argument throughout proceeds admirably detailed learned attention sources, hagiographic diplomatic are handled skill sensitivity considerable problems they pose. Another admirable feature book author's awareness Continental background, source comparisons definitions, but also an influence on development although some readers may be left wondering wisdom dealing English separate Continental. three chapters constitute survey, albeit very thought-provoking probing one. She tackles conversion in which, despite her efforts, reader feeling still problem why England embraced ‘double monasteries’ enthusiastically, Yorke emphasises most foundations these took place or after time Archbishop Theodore who, judge his Penitential, disapproved them. Part explanation lies influence, rightly follows Mary Bateson's excellent paper 1899 shows institution originated northern Gaul. But underlying all this discussion question how far ‘true double monasteries period’ calls them 130) really were evenly balanced gender inmates believes it possible prove. Might not simply have priests necessary men attached? use A. Hamilton Thompson's about male prebendaries otherwise quite conventional late medieval underlines possibilities. issue validity monastery’ concept could perhaps confronted more directly context. Be may, uses texts effect exploring extent women, bound argues property-holding conventions, returned parental kingdom found become abbesses. Her interesting one, and, aside helping make sense what often appears confused mass hagiographical texts, illuminates important way integration between monasticism social norms. In second chapter, neglected, yet important, period eighth ninth centuries. importance Viking attacks concerned processes detrimental status those houses. Following Nicholas Brooks's analysis role Wulfred fate Kentish (set out Early History Canterbury (Leicester, 1984)), examines further bishops archbishops bringing within control, thus paradoxically removing raison d'être institutions devoted Moreover, convincingly dynastic conflicts detrimental, since resulted replacement removal dynasty had founded patronised nunneries. Indeed, political developments prompted abbesses under protection bishops, who then no interest continuing decline was hastened eventual dominance Wessex, (as conjectures) because relatively low king's wife early West Saxon history. equally later when ‘a pattern foundation support identified ruling house can traced greater confidence reign Alfred’. reason kings promoted situation Wessex noted above, Carolingian Ottonian contemporaries, ‘an established aspect court culture’. Equally interestingly, notes possibility might Mercian queens husbands. embarks two synthesis, one functions broadly family functions. first, roles intercessory prayer, offerings military success amends guilt, places burial commemoration, centres promotion saints’ cults. always interesting, must here being discussed separately nature of, reasons popularity rather hangs over discussion. same true pastoral care, where differed function acute inability women priests. final chapter explores families politics, confronting issues arising practice visits interestingly conventions governing taken marriage. consideration begins canonesses promising research. If inevitably pursue further, masterly, authoritative importantly, treatment subject, makes major contribution into mainstream hints deeper research; much wide-ranging comparison, using agenda, counterparts across Christendom,
The English Historical Review