Education in England in the Middle Ages
Thesis Approved for the Degree of Doctor of Science in the University of London
"Education in England in the Middle Ages" by Albert William Parry is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book investigates the development of educational systems in England from the introduction of Christianity to the eve of the Reformation. It delves into the influence of the Church on education, detailing how different periods, including the Anglo-Saxon period and the establishment of universities, shaped the educational landscape of medieval England. The opening of the work outlines the author's objective to provide a comprehensive account of education during this transformative era. Parry discusses three distinct stages in the evolution of the educational system: the early Anglo-Saxon influence where monasteries played a crucial role in education, followed by the period under Church control after the Norman Conquest, and finally the gradual transition towards secular education. He highlights the key figures and institutions involved, including the impact of missionaries and monastic schools, setting the stage for a detailed exploration of how education evolved in response to societal changes, state-church relations, and the growing recognition of education as a civil responsibility alongside its spiritual significance.