“The Whole Congregation of St. Mary.” The Prosopography of the Freising Cathedral Clergy and the Carolingian Reforms
Carl Hammer
The extensive witness lists appended to the numerous deeds from Freising cartulary which were transacted at cathedral itself between mid-8th and mid-9th centuries allow a reconstruction of clergy in both size structure. This study examines two groups witnesses divided chronologically pontificates Bishops Atto Hitto (810/811) together comprise 105 selected naming 343 persons who occur total 974 times as witnesses. Analysis these shows that longer-serving numbered only about dozen with perhaps another serving for shorter periods. Deeds rarely witnessed by secular clerics below grade priest deacon, but significant numbers minor orders may also have been present. Clergy identified monks 8th century, 9th beginning under Bishop (811-835), small group priests appear prominently amongst coincides Hitto’s efforts introduce Rule St. Benedict which, however, seems resisted, division canons was completed his successor nephew, Erchanbert (836-854), eliminated deeds. These indicate large spent short periods cathedral. article suggests many attended school then, after completion their studies ordination, assigned country churches bishop increasingly acquired control them lay proprietors. thus appears centre unified diocesan system formed its own then circulated lesser direction order implement Carolingian program reform or correctio.
Revue d'Histoire Ecclésiastique