The Grey Friars in Oxford

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

42587

Title

The Grey Friars in Oxford

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Andrew G. Little's *The Grey Friars in Oxford* chronicles the Franciscan convent's history, property, and scholarly life. With a focus on their poverty, peacemaking role, and theological education, this work offers a detailed, evidence-based account of the Minorites' active life in England, enriched by original documents and biographical sketches.

Summary up to 500 words

Andrew G. Little's *The Grey Friars in Oxford* offers a meticulous historical reconstruction of the Franciscan convent at Oxford, navigating the scarcity of records between the thirteenth century and the Reformation. The work is divided into two primary sections: a narrative history of the community's outward life and extensive biographical notices of its members. Little details the friars' early settlement within the city walls, their acquisition of property through royal and private grants, and the construction of their church and buildings, including the significant new Church of St. Francis. A central theme addresses the tension between the Franciscan vow of poverty and the practical necessities of maintaining a community, particularly regarding the receipt of alms. Little engages with contemporary controversies, presenting arguments from the friars' perspective on whether they received money directly or through intermediaries. A significant portion of the text is dedicated to the friars' intellectual contributions. Little examines their schools, libraries, and the contentious relationship with the University of Oxford regarding theological degrees and the study of philosophy. He explores the career of a student Minorite, the system of instruction, and the expenses associated with academic inception. The book includes biographical entries for over three hundred friars who studied or lived at Oxford, complete with bibliographies of their writings. Little also investigates the friars' relationships with the University, other religious orders like the Dominicans, and the broader political landscape, including their roles during the Reformation. Relying heavily on archival sources such as the Public Record Office, various manuscript collections, and the Oxford City Archives, Little presents a vivid picture of the Grey Friars as educators, preachers, and active participants in medieval English society, despite the limitations imposed by missing documents.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Religion