The English Benedictine Cathedral Priories Rule and Practice, c. 1270-1420 [Hardcover]

The English Benedictine Cathedral Prioriesoffers a detailed study of nine monastic communities. Joan Greatrex follows the lives of the young men, only some of whom are known by name, from the day of their arrival at the monastery to the moment of their death or departure. The individual chapters provide the details that fill in many of the gaps in the monastic biographies to be found in her earlier work. The result is the first comparative study of the implementation of the Benedictine Rule, and the daily routine, observances, and customs practised by the nine priories, as well as of the monks' progress through the successive stages of their monastic life. The author exploits to the full the archiepiscopal and episcopal registers, which record their official acts, in addition to the monastic accounts of the monk office holders who were responsible for the various departments within the monastery.

1. Introduction
2. The early years of monastic life
3. The community of professed novices and junior monks
4. The years of maturity and responsibility: the duties of obedientiaries and senior monks
5. Feria, fast, and feast: the rhythm of the liturgical year
6. The closing years: illness, age, infirmity and death
7. Conclusion
Appendices: Books for study and leisure
Bibliography
Index

Joan Greatrex's outstanding book,The Benedictine Cathedral Priories: Rule and Practice, c.1270-c.1420, is another contribution to understanding Benedictine life during this period...This is a well-researched and perceptive book which gives the reader a glimpse into hidden aspects of monasticlife. --The American Benedictine Review

As a companion to the Biographical Register, this book deserves its place on a library shelf. --Catholic Historical Review

Joan Greatrexretired early from her teaching post at Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada, in order to pursue her research at filó&