An archaeology of sensory experience : pilgrimage in the medieval church, c.1170-c.1550
Using a methodological framework built upon principles of recent socio-anthropological and archaeological analyses on the sensory culture of the past, this thesis provides an original interdisciplinary socio-sensual approach to illustrate how the medieval âpilgrimage experienceâ was socially constructed for and by three separate participatory groups â royalty, laity and a parochial society â at four English cult churches. The tapestry of evidence used is woven together to create invented narratives from past visitors, highlighting the differences in perception and lived experience, in opposition to studies which have provided only impersonal analyses of structures as revealed through archaeological excavation. Thus far, studies have failed to consider how developments â whether initiated by the church, external patrons or visitorsâ needs â transformed the physical aesthetic of church space and how this affected the experience of the medieval pilgrim. This thesis seeks to remedy this deficiency. Not only does it mark a departure from the âtraditionalâ practice of buildings archaeology, but the principal original contribution of this work is that the conclusions provide a fresh understanding
Wells, Emma Jane
An archaeology of sensory experience : pilgrimage in the medieval church, c.1170-c.1550. Using a methodological framework built upon principles of recent socio-anthropological and archaeological analyses on the sensory culture of the past, this thesis provides an original interdisciplinary socio-sensual approach to illustrate how the medieval âpilgrimage experienceâ was socially constructed for and by three separate participatory groups â royalty, laity and a parochial society â at four English cult churches. The tapestry of evidence used is woven together to create invented narratives from past visitors, highlighting the differences in perception and lived experience, in opposition to studies which have provided only impersonal analyses of structures as revealed through archaeological excavation. Thus far, studies have failed to consider how developments â whether initiated by the church, external patrons or visitorsâ needs â transformed the physical aesthetic of church space and how this affected the experience of the medieval pilgrim. This thesis seeks to remedy this deficiency. Not only does it mark a departure from the âtraditionalâ practice of buildings archaeology, but the principal original contribution of this work is that the conclusions provide a fresh understanding
archaeology sensory experience pilgrimage medieval_church using methodological_framework build_upon principle recent socio anthropological_archaeological analysis sensory culture past provide_original interdisciplinary socio illustrate medieval pilgrimage experience socially_construct three_separate participatory group royalty laity parochial society english cult church tapestry evidence use woven together create invented narrative past visitor highlight difference perception live_experience opposition study provide impersonal analysis structure reveal archaeological_excavation thus_far study fail consider development whether initiate church external patron visitor need transform physical aesthetic church space affect experience medieval seek remedy deficiency mark departure traditional practice building archaeology principal original work conclusion provide_fresh