PhD – Part-time
"St Thomas Becket in Late Medieval England: Laurence Wade's 'Life of Becket' and its Place in English History and Literature, 1450-1530."
Michael has received funding for studies from the Ian Coulson Memorial Postgraduate Fund
First Supervisor: Dr Sheila Sweetinburgh | Chair of Studies: Dr Claire Bartram
Wade's 'Life of Becket' is a Late Fifteenth Century Manuscript written in Middle English that can be found in CCCC MS 298. The Fifteenth Century was a period of Transition for Kent and Canterbury, as relations between the city and priory began to sour. Through the scope of Wade's manuscript, this research project aims to explore these complex relations, in addition to understanding attitudes towards the Cult of St Thomas and the state of pilgrimage to Canterbury in the Pre-Reformation world. The study will explore the rise of book cultures within the Cathedral community, and the impact of Humanism on the manuscript.
I am a history graduate, completing both my BA and MA at Canterbury Christ Church University. I decided to undertake this project as it is an under-researched document relating to St Thomas, but one that was written at a time of change and challenge within Christ Church Priory. I hope that through this project, I can shed light on this dark time for the Priory, and further our understanding of pilgrimage and attitudes towards St Thomas in the Pre-Reformation world.
Eastbridge Hospital in Canterbury are involved in the funding of this project.