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The Transformation of Hermitages into Augustinian Priories in Twelfth-Century England

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 March 2016

Jane Herbert
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Extract

The transformation of eremitic communities into Augustinian priories was a notable feature of early Augustinian growth; during the twelfth century no less than about 50 houses of the order began in this way. The popularity of the eremitic way of life had increased considerably during the eleventh century and, once established, a hermit often inspired others to join him, thus becoming the unwitting instigator of a religious group which needed formal organization. The Rule of St. Augustine was the constitution most frequently adopted in these circumstances. This was because it provided a general framework for community life rather than a set of detailed instructions and could therefore be assimilated more easily by an established group.

Type
Research Article
Information
Studies in Church History , Volume 22: Monks, Hermits and the Ascetic Tradition , 1985 , pp. 131 - 145
Copyright
Copyright © Ecclesiastical History Society 1985

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References

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10 BL Additional MS 36872, FOL 24v.

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19 ‘heremitorium de Cleufordemere … ubi nunc situs est eiusdem prioratus’ ibid p. 409.

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21 BL Harleian Charter III A6, dated 1174, contains a confirmation by Alexander III of the adoption of the Rule of St. Augustine at Ulverscroft. For Chorley see HRH, p. 153.

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53 Cal. Doc. Fr. No 651.

54 MA 6 (ii) pp. 892–4.

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69 Ibid.

70 See for example, a description of Ulverscroft priory written in 1536 which remarks of the house, ‘it stands in a wildernesse in Charnewood forest’ (L and P Hen. VIII, x p. 496).

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73 Ibid No 19.

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