Durham Priory 1400}}}1450 [Paperback]

In this book, Dobson throws new light on the universal aspirations and pre occupations of medieval monasticism.Dr Dobson throws new light on the universal aspirations and pre occupations of medieval monasticism. He reconstructs life in Durham in the century before its final dissolution and concludes that it was an example of 'comparatively successful conservatism' during a period in English history characterized by institutional resistance to social and intellectual change.Dr Dobson throws new light on the universal aspirations and pre occupations of medieval monasticism. He reconstructs life in Durham in the century before its final dissolution and concludes that it was an example of 'comparatively successful conservatism' during a period in English history characterized by institutional resistance to social and intellectual change.In the course of this work, Dr Dobson is able to throw new light on the universal aspirations and pre occupations of medieval monasticism. He reconstructs life in Durham in the century before its final dissolution and concludes that it was an example of 'comparatively successful conservatism' during a period in English history characterized by institutional resistance to social and intellectual change.List of figures; Preface; List of abbreviations; Introduction; 1. The English Zion: an introduction to Saint Cuthbert and his city; 2. The monks of Durham; 3. John Wessington as prior of Durham (141646); 4. The prior's household and counsellors; 5. Monastic patronage; 6. The prior and the lay lords; 7. The lords spiritual; 8. The monastic economy; 9. The Durham cells; 10. The intellectual activities of the Durham monks; Conclusion; Bibliography; Index.