The Literacy of English Nuns in the Early Thirteenth Century: Evidence from London, British Library, Cotton MS Claudius D. iii
Sara Charles
This study addresses the issue of female literacy amongst religious women in England early thirteenth century. Evidence exists for respected and well-educated such as Hild Whitby Bonifacian correspondents medieval period, yet there is little evidence contributing to theological discussions or being educated texts after mid-tenth century monastic reform. However, London, British Library, Cotton MS Claudius D. iii was produced c. 1220 a community, contains earliest intact version bilingual Rule Saint Benedict adapted both Latin English. article examines manuscript textually compares it masculine Benedict, its counterpart alterations additions omissions, word changes. More detailed attention given chapters giving instruction on reading assess whether text assumed high basic level understanding. It argued that changes relating demonstrate attitudes towards women’s were positive, assume solid base learning.
The Journal of Medieval Monastic Studies