Religion, Politics and Society in Britain, 800-1066

Description

Using a comparative and broad perspective, Religion, Politics and Society in Britain 800-1066 draws on archaeology, art history, material culture, texts from charms to chronicles, from royal law-codes to sermons to poems, and other evidence to demonstrate the centrality of Christianity and the Church in Britain 800-1066. It delineates their contributions to the changes in politics, economy, society and culture that occurred between 800 and 1066, from nation-building to practicalities of government to landscape. The period 800-1066 saw the beginnings of a fundamental restructuring of politics, society and economy throughout Christian Europe in which religion played a central role. In Britain too the interaction of religion with politics and society was profound and pervasive. There was no part of life which Christianity and the Church did not touch: they affected belief, thought and behaviour at all levels of society. This book points out interconnections within society and between archaeological, art historical and literary evidence and similarities between aspects of culture not only within Britain but also in comparison with Armenian Christendom. A. E. Redgate explores the importance of religious ideas, institutions, personnel and practices in the creation and expression of identities and communities, the structure and functioning of society and the life of the individual. This book will be essential reading for students of early medieval Britain and religious and social history. Cover Half Title Title Page Copyright Page Dedication Table of Contents Acknowledgements Series Editor’s Preface Note on References Maps Part I Britain c. 800–c. 1066 1 Britain in c. 800 and in c. 1066: Changes and continuities Introduction Politics, economy, religion, culture and society c. 800 Continuity and change: politics, economy, religion, culture and society on the eve of the Norman Conquest, 1066 2 Records and remains: Religion and reconstructions A holistic approach Material remains Linguistic evidence Texts – England Texts – Scotland and Wales Approaches and methodologies A case study in comparative history: vernacular liturgy Part II Beginnings: Identities and communities 3 Kings: Christianity and control Introduction Self-representation and representation Strong kingship and control of the Church 4 Kings: Christianity and acceptance Unification Dynasties and legitimacy Other methods of control and unification 5 Churches: Boundaries and aspirations Introduction Archbishoprics and bishoprics Monasteries, minsters and parishes Parishes, local churches and secular lordship National Churches? 6 Social Cohesion Introduction Christians, nations and kingdoms Dioceses, towns, villages and localities Monasticism, penance, pilgrimage, saints, spiritual kinship and prayer Scots and Welsh communities and their bonds Part III Ends: The structuring of society 7 The Church in society Introduction Political theory and engagement The Church and gender 8 Women’s agency Misogyny and emancipation Property Vowesses, cloistered women and saints Women in British and Scots’ societies 9 The Church in the landscape The physical reality The Church in the economy The Church and socio-economic change Part IV Means: Order and individuals 10 Government, law and administration High politics and government Law, law courts and the legal system Dues, troops and war Diplomacy: embassies and letters Scotland and Wales 11 Pastoral care Introduction Pastoral care in England before the great reform Pastoral care in late Anglo-Saxon England: aspirations, complaints and concern Pastoral care in late Anglo-Saxon England: an optimistic view Beyond the English: pastoral care in Scotland and Wales 12 The Christian’s life Routines and special occasions Evil and misfortune Sin and salvation Conclusion: 1066 Bibliography Index