Essays bring out the important and complex roles played by Anglo-Saxon churchmen, including Bede and lesser-known figures. Both episcopal and abbatial authority were of fundamental importance to the development of the Christian church in Anglo-Saxon England. Bishops and heads of monastic houses were invested with a variety of types of power and influence. Their actions, decisions, and writings could change not only their own institutions, but also the national church, while their interaction with the king and his court affected wider contemporary society. Theories of ecclesiastical leadership were expounded in contemporary texts and documents. But how far did image or ideal reflect reality? How much room was there for individuals to use their office to promote new ideas? The papers in this volumeillustrate the important roles played by individual leading ecclesiastics in England, both within the church and in the wider political sphere, from the late seventh to the mid eleventh century. The undeniable authority of Bede and Bishop AEthelwold is demonstrated but also the influence of less-familiar figures such as Bishop Wulfsige of Sherborne, Archbishop Ecgberht of York and St Leoba. The book draws on both textual and material evidence to show the influence (by both deed and reputation) of powerful personalities not only on the developing institutions of the English church but also on the secular politics of their time. Contributors: Alexander R. Rumble, Nicholas J.Higham, Martyn J. Ryan, Cassandra Rhodes, Allan Scott McKinley, Dominik Wassenhoven, Gale R. Owen-Crocker, Debby Banham, Joyce Hill.

About the Author
Gale R. Owen-Crocker is Professor Emerita of the University of Manchester where she was previously Professor of Anglo-Saxon Culture and Director of the Manchester Centre for Anglo-Saxon Studies.

Reviews
Offer[s] much of value to students of the Anglo-Saxon church. * EARLY MEDIEVAL EUROPE *
Filled with historical context and insight, particularly for those who work on the religious prose of Anglo-Saxon England. * YEARS WORK IN ENGLISH STUDIES *
Underlines the significance of the ecclesiastical elite in Anglo-Saxon England. * NORTHERN HISTORY, L, no. 2, September 2013 *
A valuable collection of essays on a range of important subjects. * JOURNAL OF ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY *



Book Information
ISBN 9781843837008
Author Alexander R. Rumble
Format Hardback
Page Count 216
Imprint The Boydell Press
Publisher Boydell & Brewer Ltd