The Impact of the Crusades : The Experience of England 1095-1307

This work examines the influence exerted upon and within English society by one of the most astonishing movements in history. English crusading activity was at its height in the 12th and 13th centuries, and the sources selected for translation in this book are intended to illustrate aspects of the impact which the crusades of this period had upon England and its inhabitants. A range of sources have been utilized, including extracts from chronicles, private correspondance, royal charters and writs, papal and episcopal mandates and letters, financial accounts, judicial records, and private charters and deeds. Using these, the reader can explore such central topics as crusade promotion and preaching for their expeditions, and the effects flowing from the actions of the crusaders upon English society and economy generally, as well as their more intimate interests. The sources are accompanied by brief commentaries designed particularly to provide a broader context for each source whereby readers may extract the maximum significance from the source in question.