medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
"Indeed, these 'virges' seem to have nothing to do
with deans, but neither are their bearers said to be
'vergers'"
Not in the 1502 Processional, no. The only conclusion
possibly drawn is that Professor Sandon's text is from
another one of the Sarum sources. Having not got a
copy of "The Use of Sarum" handy I can't check, but I
recall he cites his primary sources at the beginning
of the first volume.
On the other hand, you do seem to be implying that
there are non-vergers, who carry virges, and vergers,
who don't, but carry someone else's insignia of
office.
As a parallel, the 1502 Processional also refers to an
acolyte in tunicle who carries the cross in
procession. Cambridge, St John's, MS D.d.27 (another
handy source) however refers to a 'crucifer'. Are we
to assume that a crucifer is different from a person
carrying a cross?
"If you won't take my word for it, I refer you to the
Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church:
verger. Strictly the official who carries a mace or
'verge' (Latin virga) before a dignitary . . . In the
Sarum Rite the verger headed the procession [as you
rightly say]."
Does it cite any medieval authority for the
definition? It certainly seems to omit any mention of
the 'verge' belonging to the dignitary. Given also
that the majority of liturgical survivals represent
the usage in ordinary parish churches presumably there
were a lot of dignitaries about, or Deans skilled in
bilocation...
Cheers
Rob
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