IMC 2010: Sessions

Session 1113: Friends in High Places?: Protections for the Late Medieval Traveller

Wednesday 14 July 2010, 11.15-12.45

Sponsor:	Graduate Centre for Medieval Studies, University of Reading
Organiser:	Anne Lawrence-Mathers, Graduate Centre for Medieval Studies, University of Reading
Moderator/Chair:	Adrian R. Bell, International Capital Market Association (ICMA) Centre, University of Reading
Paper 1113-a	Wild Birds, Black Horses, and Golden Rings: Ritual Magic and the Traveller (Language: English) Anne Lawrence-Mathers, Graduate Centre for Medieval Studies, University of Reading Index terms: Learning (The Classical Inheritance), Manuscripts and Palaeography, Religious Life
Paper 1113-b	Journeys with Angels: Body and Spirit (Language: English) Delia Sarson, Graduate Centre for Medieval Studies, University of Reading Index terms: Lay Piety, Manuscripts and Palaeography, Religious Life
Paper 1113-c	A Saint with a Passport?: Colette of Corbie and the Role of the Dukes of Burgundy (Language: English) Anna Campbell, Graduate Centre for Medieval Studies, University of Reading Index terms: Lay Piety, Manuscripts and Palaeography, Politics and Diplomacy
Abstract	A considerable range of maps and guides existed to satisfy the practical concerns of the late medieval traveller. However, travellers also required other forms of support and protection. These included not only evidence of political protection and permits to cross 'foreign' territory, but also means of invoking spiritual and supernatural aid. Books of Hours sometimes provide suffrages invoking angelic protection; and those prepared to take the risk could also invoke magical means of help and even transport. This session explores case studies centring on: 'passports' issued by Dukes of Burgundy; suffrages to guardian angels; and magical talismans, to understand the range of protections for those undertaking dangerous journeys.