medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
Many thanks to the list for all of the replies (Karl, I am still
working on the German!).
I quite like some of the examples given, certainly that of Lord
William de Glane and the siting of Stanely Abbey, not forgetting how
close Llantarnam was to the bustling medieval town of Caerleon. John
Dillon's reply regarding brick was also of some considerable interest
considering the geology around here.
The main reason for the question was the striking similarities
between Llantarnam's topographical setting and that of its mother -
Strata Florida. It is not only the topographical setting that is
similar either, although archaeologically that should come as no
surprise considering what we know about Cistercian hydraulic
engineering.
And it is for that reason only that I was after sources on who was
sent prior to foundation, the similarities are more than a
coincidence in my opinion.
David Williams does cover this in some detail where he states that
both conversi and conversus (some records actually name them as
Colman has explained) were sent to inspect potential sites, this
changed through The General Chapter insisting that at least two
bishops were needed for inspection, probably due to a number of bad
site locations.
The list of who was sent with an abbot and twelve monks to instigate
the new foundation is nearly endless. Sources range from masons,
stone cutters and master carpenters, to architects.
It is the latter that has caught my eye. Nowadays, no architect worth
their salt would travel to a new construction site without know what
lay ahead of them, there is no reason to presume that it would have
been any different in the 12th century. I swear that I had read of
one source stating that a landscape engineer was, or would have been
sent to inspect a new site but I am afraid that with the explosion of
books that currently surround me, the source appears to have been lost.
For those with a keen eye for the landscape the subject is worthy of
an in-depth study in its own accord. Of course, far from me to play
devils advocate, this would also bring up what was the primary
constructional concern on the new site - the water systems, or the
initial construction.
Many regards,
Dave (the student).
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