Eileen Power
Medieval English Nunneries c. 1275 to 1535
"Medieval English Nunneries c. 1275 to 1535" by Eileen Power is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The work aims to provide an overview of nunnery life in England during a specific period spanning from the late 13th century to the early 16th century. The main focus is on the daily reality, social structure, and the socioeconomic factors influencing the lives of nuns during the later middle ages, offering insights into their motivations for taking the veil and the implications of their choices. At the start of the book, the author introduces the concept of nunneries, detailing the variety, distribution, and significance of the houses in England at the time. There were approximately 138 nunneries, mostly belonging to the Benedictine and Cistercian orders, with Power emphasizing that most nuns were drawn from the upper classes, serving as places for women of noble birth to find refuge, pursue a religious vocation, or in some cases, be placed against their will. The chapter outlines different motivations for entering these religious institutions, including familial pressure, economic necessity, and the opportunities nunneries provided for women seeking a respected place in society.