Forms of Religious Life in Western Europe in the Middle Ages
The book explores the Western Monastic tradition from its inception in the fourth century in Egypt and Syria, detailing its evolution throughout the Middle Ages. It examines the diverse forms of religious life that emerged and highlights the interaction between monasteries and the surrounding secular world, providing insights into their influence and significance in medieval society.
Published to coincide with the 900th anniversary of the establishment of the Cistercian order in 1098, this is a guide to all the Cistercian abbeys in Britain. The 86 sites include the beautiful ruins of Tintern, Fountains, Rievaulx and Melrose, as well as the home of Sir Francis Drake and the burial place of the last Welsh Prince of Wales. Each gazetteer entry describes the history and architecture of the site and the people connected with it, and there are chapters on the overall history and architecture of the Cistercian order. There are also plans of all the abbeys, a detailed bibliography, and practical details such as grid references and information on access to each site.
A full and comprehensive survey of the development of the Cistercian Order which emerged from the tumultuous intellectual and religious fervour of the eleventh and twelfth centuries.