Hermits and anchorites in England, 1200–1550 [EPUB ebook] 

This source book offers a comprehensive treatment of solitary religious lives in England in the late Middle Ages. It covers both enclosed recluses (anchorites) and free-wandering hermits, and explores the relationship between them. Although there has been a recent surge of interest in the solitary vocations, especially anchorites, this has focused almost exclusively on a small number of examples. The field is in need of reinvigoration, and this book provides it. Featuring translated extracts from a wide range of Latin, Middle English and Old French sources, as well as a scholarly introduction and commentary from one of the foremost experts in the field, Hermits and anchorites in England is an invaluable resource for students and lecturers alike.

Table of Content

Introduction
I Becoming an anchorite
II A cell of one’s own
III A day in the anchoritic life
IV For the whole term of this life
V Scenes of eremitical life
VI Rules and regulations
VII Renegades, charismatics and charlatans
VIII Dissolution
Index

About the author

Simon Mac Lean is Lecturer in History at the University of St Andrews