This first published edition of the Latin cartulary of Godstow Abbey outside Oxford is an important text for the history of medieval religious women. Compiled in the early fifteenth century, and probably written by Godstow's prioress Alice of Eaton, it contains more than 900 documents written for and preserved by this well-known community of Benedictine nuns. The contents include a unique Anglo-Norman verse life of Ediva of Winchester, whose dreams prompted her to found the abbey in the early twelfth century. Numerous early charters in the cartulary identify other twelfth-century nuns and their relatives, and shed light on the founding of the abbey, its royal and private patronage, and its extensive real estate holdings. Other documents in the volume are excellent sources for women's literacy and culture, religious practices in the diocese of Lincoln, social relations between the nuns and the larger community, and the local urban and rural economy in Oxfordshire and nearby counties. The volume's introduction examines the founding of the abbey, dating it earlier than has previously been done, and provides new information about the abbesses of Godstow. In the text, documents dating from about 1225 or earlier are printed in full, in the original Latin, with English introductions and notes; later documents have been fully summarized in English, with complete witness lists. This is also an invaluable text for local history, topography, and genealogy. This text is the original of the Middle English translation that was published in the early twentieth century.
Reviews
The Latin cartulary is an important source for the history of medieval Oxford ... a fine achievement. This is a distinguished addition to an important series. * Edmund King, History *
The indexes provide a particularly full and helpful guide not only to persons and places but also to subjects. This is work of high quality which will not need to be done again. * J.R. Maddicott, English Historical Review *
I can say with some confidence that this volume will supplant the earlier EETS edition as the principal source of reference for Godstow abbey's estate in the country. * Mark Page, Oxoniensia *



Book Information
ISBN 9780197265581
Author Emilie Amt
Format Hardback
Page Count 450
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Weight(grams) 1018g
Dimensions(mm) 241mm * 162mm * 39mm