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Abstract

On the eve of the Reformation, was traditional religion on the decline? During the last
four decades before the Dissolution in England, was the monastic institution stagnant,
failing, unpopular and irrelevant? This thesis examines the English abbeys of
Westminster and Syon and presents facts and arguments to show evidence of vigour and
vitality of the English monastic institution on the eve of its dissolution. During the late
Middle Ages, especially the period 1500-1540, both abbeys passed numerous criteria of
vitality: successful recruitment, enormous wealth, popularity and high patronage.
Spiritually, both abbeys successfully adhered to the traditional monastic ideals of
contemplative life coupled with the outward-looking duty of lay pastoralship in the form
of evangelisation and social services. Culturally, both abbeys showed cultivation of
literary and musical culture and patronage of contemporary intellectual, artistic and
technological development. - Contrary to the popular belief that monastic life was in
decline during the late medieval period, both the Westminster and Syon monastic
communities demonstrated spiritual vitality, played proactive roles in the community and
contributed immensely in the religious, cultural and socio-economic life of the English
nation up until their dissolutions.

Item Type:	Thesis - Coursework Master
Authors/Creators:	Reyes-Lijauco, Melina
Keywords:	Westminster Abbey, Syon Abbey (Isleworth, London, England)
Copyright Holders:	The Author
Copyright Information:	Copyright 2013 the author - The University is continuing to endeavour to trace the copyright owner(s) and in the meantime this item has been reproduced here in good faith. We would be pleased to hear from the copyright owner(s).
Additional Information:	Available for use in the Library and copying in accordance with the Copyright Act 1968, as amended. Thesis (MA(History))--University of Tasmania, 2013. Includes bibliographical references
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