Staffing medieval cathedrals was always a problem. Some English cathedrals introduced monks, but almost half of them put themselves in the hands of secular priests (canons). As cathedrals became complex 'prayer factories' between the 12th and 16th centuries, the canons appointed Vicars Choral to perform liturgical functions in their stead. From the moment of their first appearance in the 12th century, there was concern about the vicars' morals and behaviour and, for more than 400 years, cathedral deans struggled to ...
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Staffing medieval cathedrals was always a problem. Some English cathedrals introduced monks, but almost half of them put themselves in the hands of secular priests (canons). As cathedrals became complex 'prayer factories' between the 12th and 16th centuries, the canons appointed Vicars Choral to perform liturgical functions in their stead. From the moment of their first appearance in the 12th century, there was concern about the vicars' morals and behaviour and, for more than 400 years, cathedral deans struggled to impose discipline. Eventually all of the English cathedral vicars were subjected to quasi-monastic discipline in carefully regulated colleges, which were strategically located within the close and formed a very distinctive group of ecclesiastical buildings, which were ancestors of the Oxbridge colleges. Several of these important medieval building complexes have survived, but significant traces of all nine colleges - Chichester, Exeter, Hereford, Lichfield, Lincoln, St Paul's London, Salisbury, Wells and York - have been recovered in this study. As these colleges survived the Reformation, most retain extraordinarily rich archives, which modern historical scholarship is only just starting to explore. For the first time, this volume brings together the wealth of architectural, archaeological and historical information relating to these major, but little known, medieval institutions. It reveals an extraordinary interdisciplinary resource that can be used to understand, not just the working of individual colleges and cathedrals, but also the life and work of the lower orders of medieval clergy in England.
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Add this copy of Vicars Choral at English Cathedrals: Cantate Domino to cart. $41.56, fair condition, Sold by Anybook rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Lincoln, UNITED KINGDOM, published 2005 by Oxbow Books.
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Seller's Description:
This is an ex-library book and may have the usual library/used-book markings inside. This book has hardback covers. In fair condition, suitable as a study copy. No dust jacket. Please note the Image in this listing is a stock photo and may not match the covers of the actual item, 1150grams, ISBN: 9781842171530.
Add this copy of Vicars Choral at English Cathedrals: Cantate Domino: to cart. $128.79, good condition, Sold by Bonita rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Newport Coast, CA, UNITED STATES, published 2005 by Oxbow Books.
