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medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture I quote "MUNDANE USES OF SACRED PLACES IN THE CENTRAL AND LATER MIDDLE AGES, WITH A FOCUS ON CHARTRES CATHEDRAL", a study by Dawn Marie Hayes*: "Hubert Guillotel’s study [“Du rôle des cimetières en Bretagne dans le renouveau du XIe et de la première moitié du XIIe siècle,” Memoires de la Société d’histoire et d’archéologie de Bretagne 52 (1972–1974) 5–26] reveals that in the eleventh and twelfth centuries Breton cemeteries were used for buying and selling merchandise as well as for issuing charters since the sacred character of consecrated ground could foster a hospitable environment in which to conduct business". Now THIS really does make sense ! If the Dean & canons were using the church yard as a market place, perhaps for the holding of an annual fair ? they were presumably (and quite legally) exacting tolls or other financial dues from the traders for the privilege of using the secure location. But since the the church yard was within the comital city of Nantes, the Count might well consider that he had a right to at least share of the dues if not to collect a second band of taxes himself. The Dean refuses to hand over a moiety of the profits; the Count takes what he considers to be his fair share at swordpoint, et voila! Thank you very much. Brenda. ********************************************************************** To join the list, send the message: join medieval-religion YOUR NAME to: [log in to unmask] To send a message to the list, address it to: [log in to unmask] To leave the list, send the message: leave medieval-religion to: [log in to unmask] In order to report problems or to contact the list's owners, write to: [log in to unmask] For further information, visit our web site: http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/medieval-religion.html