The Monks of Saint-Thierry in a Property Dispute with the Archbishop of Reims
Gleb Schmidt
On the wave of religious enthusiasm and monastic reform under Cluny’s influence, monasteries focused their particular attention on memory institution. Collective recorded structured interactions brethren with society, preserving names benefactors, patrons, other emblematic figures. It helped communities shape identities, demarcating networks protecting reclaiming property from any exterior intervention or usurpation. This article considers three documents that have almost entirely escaped scholarly attention. small dossier is a significant example how Saint-Thierry in Reims disputed rights to demesne Villers-Franqueux against powerful, local noblement Archbishops third quarter 11th century. Engaged this dispute, community deployed different legal measures appealed royal authority. The monks did not hesitate forge material mention an influential person moment, Queen Anna, who ruled as regent around time, order solidify position. manifold detailed ‘protective narrative’ constructed by was also supplemented hagiographical texts intended provide community’s claims sacred, transcendent legitimacy, which had present deeds monastery’s adversaries only illegal but going God’s will. All this, subsequent history suggests, allowed overcome struggle retain Villers-Franqueux, became one core elements its demesne.
Vestnik Sankt-Peterburgskogo universiteta|Research Repository Saint Petersburg State University (Saint Petersburg State University)