Relic-cults as an instrument of royal policy c. 900–c. 1050
David Rollason
A considerable body of evidence shows that the kings later Anglo-Saxon England concerned themselves very seriously with cult relics. No doubt this involvement arose in part from their piety; but as I hope to show there are grounds for thinking it also derived importance relics and relic-cults instruments royal policy, expressing reinforcing kings' power position. shall consider turn three aspects activity regard relics: firstly collection donation by order increase prestige symbolize political status; secondly use processes government; thirdly patronage particular an expedient influence.
Anglo-Saxon England