The Medieval Art, Architecture and History of Bristol Cathedral

Bristol cathedral, formerly the abbey of St Augustine, is a remarkable building. To medievalists it is an enigmatic and compelling place, filled with important work of various periods, work that raises a range of important questions about style, patronage and the intentions behind medieval architecture. Conversely, to the wider public, the cathedral is not well-known compared to others; this spectacular building tends to hide its light under a bushel. Yet its remarkable, and controversial, east end alone is one of the most significant structures of its period in Europe. This volume aims to remedy the neglect by offering a history of St Augustine's. Highlights include the most detailed discussions to date of the later medieval history and architecture of the church and its community, and detailed papers on the dating, attribution, patronage and historiography of the east end. In their introduction and postscript the editors draw on the material presented in the collection to draw out the wider themes and lessons suggested by the building, themes that will be of interest to all with a serious interest in the study of medieval art. Dr Jon Cannon teaches medieval architectural history at the University of Bristol and elsewhere; Dr Beth Williamson is Senior Lecturer in the Department of Historical Studies at the University of Bristol. Contributors: Roger Leech, John McNeil, Sarah Boss, Christopher Wilson, Jon Cannon, Paul Crossley, Julian M. Luxford, James G. Clark, Joseph Bettey, Cathy Oakes, Beth Williamson