Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 
 

Files

File List

Full text of this paper is not available in the ETD Center. Copies may be available for inter-library loan from University of Cincinnati or may be available for purchase from Proquest/UMI

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

Salue Martir Spes Anglorum: English Devotion to Saint George in the Middle Ages

MacGregor, James Bruce
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1014136452

Abstract Details

2002, PhD, University of Cincinnati, Arts and Sciences : History.
Since the seventeenth century, English antiquarians, scholars and popular authors have sought to explain why Saint George became the patron saint of England. Unfortunately, the majority of these works have concerned themselves so thoroughly with documenting the development of the saint as the symbol of the nation that they have forgotten or ignored the fact that medieval people venerated Saint George as a martyr. In short, these works have ignored Saint George’s place within the context of medieval piety – the very context out of which the political and patriotic symbol of the nation emerged. This study examines the history of the cult of Saint George in England with special emphasis on the manner in which English men and women venerated and prayed to Saint George. The result of this new analysis is a picture of medieval piety that clearly identifies Saint George as a personal intercessor. While medieval men and women recognized Saint George’s special connection to England – via his patronage of the Order of the Garter and his intercession in times of war – they prayed to the saint for their own needs and not for the well-being of the kingdom. Such acts of personal piety, widespread throughout England, underpin broader royal, martial and political events, all of which explain why a fourth-century martyr became and remains the patron saint of England.
Dr. James M. Murray (Advisor)
1 p.
History, Medieval
Cult of Saints; Saint George; Medieval England; Liturgy; Books of Hours

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • MacGregor, J. B. (2002). Salue Martir Spes Anglorum: English Devotion to Saint George in the Middle Ages [Doctoral dissertation, University of Cincinnati]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1014136452

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • MacGregor, James. Salue Martir Spes Anglorum: English Devotion to Saint George in the Middle Ages. 2002. University of Cincinnati, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1014136452.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • MacGregor, James. "Salue Martir Spes Anglorum: English Devotion to Saint George in the Middle Ages." Doctoral dissertation, University of Cincinnati, 2002. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1014136452

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ucin1014136452
© 2002, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by University of Cincinnati and OhioLINK.