Reconsidering the reign of King Stephen: a contextual study of sculpture created in Gloucestershire between 1135 and 1154

Abstract

A contextual study of Romanesque sculpture in Gloucestershire has never been completed. This thesis identifies and analyses sites in the county with surviving sculptures that can be dated to the reign of King Stephen (1135–54), focusing on the patronage, style and historical background of individual case studies. The material findings are juxtaposed with documentary evidence in order to reconsider Gloucestershire during the reign from a cultural perspective, exploring political, religious, social and economic experiences and developments. In particular, the thesis explores regional secular lordship and the roles of churchmen in learning, reform, and local politics from the perspective of sculpture, raising a number of issues regarding the practice of local governance and lay contributions to the church reform movement. These findings demonstrate that many areas of Gloucestershire were culturally vibrant and economically prosperous throughout Stephen’s reign and challenge ongoing perceptions that the region was severely disrupted and devastated by endemic warfare.