The House of Guise and the Church, c. 1550-1588
ï"żThis thesis explores the relationship between a leading French Catholic family and the Church in the second half of the sixteenth century. This is a socio-cultural study rather than an investigation of the French Church during this period, although some insight into the Church is given. The Church is used to provide a focus for an examination of noble experience. The thesis notes that male and female religious were integral members of the family network. The means by which the dynasty maintained an alternative patrimony in the Church is outlined. Consideration is then given to the resources which high ecclesiastical office brought an individual, both tangible - in the form of economic assets - and more theoretical - access to patronage opportunities and influence, which contributed to an individual's power. The economic resources which benefice tenure brought are examined and their management analysed. Patronage is viewed more as an expression of a noble culture of interacting social networks than as a product of a hierarchical power structure. The position of the Lorraine-Guise Cardinals in relation to the French Church is assessed. Their power within the Church was a result of personal qualities rather
Baker, Joanne
Nobility ; History ; Religion and sociology ; Church history ; France ; 16th century
The House of Guise and the Church, c. 1550-1588. ï"żThis thesis explores the relationship between a leading French Catholic family and the Church in the second half of the sixteenth century. This is a socio-cultural study rather than an investigation of the French Church during this period, although some insight into the Church is given. The Church is used to provide a focus for an examination of noble experience. The thesis notes that male and female religious were integral members of the family network. The means by which the dynasty maintained an alternative patrimony in the Church is outlined. Consideration is then given to the resources which high ecclesiastical office brought an individual, both tangible - in the form of economic assets - and more theoretical - access to patronage opportunities and influence, which contributed to an individual's power. The economic resources which benefice tenure brought are examined and their management analysed. Patronage is viewed more as an expression of a noble culture of interacting social networks than as a product of a hierarchical power structure. The position of the Lorraine-Guise Cardinals in relation to the French Church is assessed. Their power within the Church was a result of personal qualities rather
house guise church explore_relationship lead french catholic family church socio_cultural study rather investigation french church period although insight church give church use provide focus examination noble experience note male_female religious integral member_family network mean dynasty maintain alternative patrimony church outline consideration_give resource high ecclesiastical office bring individual tangible form economic asset theoretical access patronage opportunity influence contribute individual power economic_resource benefice tenure bring examined management analyse patronage view expression noble culture interact social_network product hierarchical power structure position guise relation french church assess power within_church personal quality rather