Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects
Date of Degree
6-2022
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Program
History
Advisor
Sara McDougall
Committee Members
Joel Allen
Jay Diehl
Eric Ivison
Lauren Mancia
Subject Categories
European History | History | History of Religion | Medieval History
Keywords
England, Aelred, Hagiography, Medieval, Cistercian, Rievaulx
Abstract
This dissertation analyzes the hagiography of Aelred of Rievaulx (c. 1110-1167), a Cistercian who served as abbot of Rievaulx, a northern English monastery, from 1147 until his death. While there is much scholarship on his other works, his hagiographical works have received little attention, a fact that this dissertation seeks to rectify. In fact, as this dissertation demonstrates, attending to Aelred’s hagiography is well worth doing. It brings us to a better understanding of Aelred himself and his understanding of the world, both how it was and how it ought to be. This dissertation analyzes Aelred’s hagiographical works by placing them within his socio-historical context, revealing concerns and views that could be considered Cistercian, but that also reflect the concerns of an abbot tasked with not only protecting, but also growing, the holdings and population of his monastery. These concerns are best illustrated by looking at these works through the lens of the three societal groups about whom Aelred writes: monks, ecclesiastical figures (particularly bishops), and the laity (including kings).
Recommended Citation
Turner, Chad, "“In lucem latine locutionis”: The Hagiography of Aelred of Rievaulx" (2022). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/gc_etds/4782