Mediæval London, Volume 2: Ecclesiastical

Name: Mediæval London, Volume 2: Ecclesiastical
Author: Walter Besant

By Walter Besant

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History - British History - Medieval/Middle Ages History - Religious

About This Book

A detailed historical survey examines the interplay between civic government and ecclesiastical institutions in medieval London, opening with municipal records, charters, wards, and guilds before turning to religious life, liturgy, calendars, rites, pilgrimage, sanctuary, miracle plays, burial customs, and popular superstitions. A substantial section profiles monastic and charitable foundations—priories, hospitals, friaries, nunneries, fraternities—and their architecture, endowments, and daily functions. Appendices compile ward lists, parishes, patronages, festivals, and documentary excerpts, while numerous contemporary illustrations and plans accompany analytical narrative and documentary extracts.

About the Author

Walter Besant

Walter Besant was a British novelist and historian, known for his vivid portrayals of London and its social conditions. His works often explore themes of social reform and the lives of the working class. Among his notable titles is "All Sorts and Conditions of Men: An Impossible Story," which critiques the disparities of Victorian society. Besant's writing is characterized by a blend of fiction and social commentary, making significant contributions to the literary heritage of the late 19th century. He was also involved in various philanthropic efforts and was a prominent figure in the promotion of literature and the arts.