Book contents
- Frontmatter
- CONTENTS
- List of Illustrations
- List of Contributors
- Preface and Acknowledgements
- List of Abbreviations
- Introduction
- Part I Prelates and Power
- Part II Patronage and Learning
- Part III Identity and Display
- Treasure, Material Possessions and the Bishops of Late Medieval England
- Episcopal Embodiment: the Tombs and Seals of Bishops in Medieval England and Wales
- Cistercian Abbots as Patrons of Art and Architecture: Northern England in the Late Middle Ages
- Cistercian Abbots in Late Medieval Central Europe: Between the Cloister and the World
- Part IV Attitudes towards Prelacy
- Index of People and Places
- Index of Subjects
- YORK MEDIEVAL PRESS: PUBLICATIONS
Treasure, Material Possessions and the Bishops of Late Medieval England
from Part III - Identity and Display
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 November 2014
- Frontmatter
- CONTENTS
- List of Illustrations
- List of Contributors
- Preface and Acknowledgements
- List of Abbreviations
- Introduction
- Part I Prelates and Power
- Part II Patronage and Learning
- Part III Identity and Display
- Treasure, Material Possessions and the Bishops of Late Medieval England
- Episcopal Embodiment: the Tombs and Seals of Bishops in Medieval England and Wales
- Cistercian Abbots as Patrons of Art and Architecture: Northern England in the Late Middle Ages
- Cistercian Abbots in Late Medieval Central Europe: Between the Cloister and the World
- Part IV Attitudes towards Prelacy
- Index of People and Places
- Index of Subjects
- YORK MEDIEVAL PRESS: PUBLICATIONS
Summary
Debates about wealth and its moral character go to the heart of the Christian message. No late medieval bishop could have been unaware that his principal charge was a spiritual one; nor could he be ignorant of the evangelical poverty that had formed so compelling an element in Christ's ministry, emulated by groups like the mendicant friars. Yet society also expected great households – and bishops had some of the most impressive establishments – to conduct themselves in a way that brought honour to their estate. The episcopacy was therefore closely bound to an investment in material possessions, in buildings and a style of living that placed them among the greatest magnates. The eleventh and twelfth centuries had seen a proliferation in possessions: many more people, bishops not least among them, had many more things. Personal goods, like jewellery, were keenly appreciated. Clothing and personal attire identified groups, an individual's worth and standing. There was simply more money, more gold and especially silver, an acceleration in commerce, in financial transactions and, indeed, in loans.
Few bishops can have been insensitive to the contradictions and paradoxes of their position. On the one hand, investment in property, even down to building barns, might be seen as benefiting the Church and the cause of devotion.
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- The Prelate in England and Europe, 1300–1560 , pp. 173 - 190Publisher: Boydell & BrewerPrint publication year: 2014