Clerics in the Middle Ages were subjected to differing ideals of masculinity, both from within the Church and from lay society. The historians in this volume in

Essays offering new approaches to the changing forms of medieval religious masculinity.

Examines the complex interactions between English and Irish neighbours in the 'four obedient shires' and how this shaped English identity.

The Manly Priest examines the clerical celibacy movement in medieval England and Normandy, which produced a new model of religious masculinity for the priesthoo

This book explores a striking common feature of pre-modern ruling systems on a global scale: the participation of childless and celibate men as integral parts o