The first account of the dissolution of the monasteries in fifty years—exploring its profound impact on the people of Tudor England.
“This is a book about people, not ideas, and as a detailed account of an extraordinary human drama with thousands of protagonists, it stands as an excellent piece of historical writing.” —Lucy Wooding, Times Literary Supplement
Just before Easter 1540, the end of almost a millennium of monastic life occurred in England. Until then, religious institutions functioned as centers of education, literary and artistic expression, as well as the creation of regional and national identity. Their closure, which took place in just four years from 1536 to 1540, caused a disruption among the people and life that had not been seen in England since the Norman Conquest.
Utilizing the archives of national and regional records as well as archaeological findings, James Clark explores the lesser-known lives of the last men and women who lived in England's monasteries before the Reformation. Clark challenges the generally accepted knowledge, showing that the buildings were not immediately demolished and that Henry VIII's subjects were so connected to the religious institutions that they preserved fixtures and fittings as mementos. This rich, vibrant history brings back to the forefront the significant role of abbeys, courtyards, and friaries in the lives of the English people.
Pages: 720, Year of Publication: 0321, Dimensions: 14x14cm
