Sacrist Rolls of Ely, Vol. 2: Transcripts (Classic Reprint) - Hardcover

F. R. Chapman

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0260844500 ISBN 13: 9780260844507

Publisher: Forgotten Books, 2018

Synopsis

This book offers a fascinating glimpse into the inner workings of a medieval English monastery, specifically the daily life of the Sacrist. Through meticulously detailed accounts of income and expenditure, the author provides a unique window into the economic and social realities of the time. The book’s core focus is on the financial management of the Sacrist’s office, covering everything from the purchasing of supplies like candles and cloth to the payment of wages and the distribution of alms. The text reveals a vibrant and complex world, where the monastery served as a center of economic activity, engaging in agriculture, trade, and even lending. The author’s insightful analysis of the financial records allows readers to delve into the monastery’s interactions with the wider community, its relationships with local and regional authorities, and the religious practices that shaped daily life. Beyond the details of financial transactions, the book also illuminates the broader themes of power, governance, and social responsibility within the monastery. The meticulous records paint a vivid picture of how the Sacrist, as a key figure in the monastic hierarchy, managed resources, navigated social hierarchies, and fulfilled the monastery’s spiritual and charitable obligations. This book is an invaluable resource for understanding the material culture, social dynamics, and religious practices of medieval English monasticism.

Edition details

• Publisher: Forgotten Books
• Publication date: 2018
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0260844500
• ISBN 13: 9780260844507
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 257