Economic Foundations of the EnglishCarmelite Province in the Middle Ages

Abstract

At the time of the first Carmelites’ arrival in Europe their order was already subject to change. The example of the English province shows that while some convents were founded in remote locations, in line with the friars’ eremitical tradition, the preferred sites were in urban centres and the order was entrusted with tasks in the ministry. The result of this dual existence was the emergence of a dual economy. Rural priories remote from material support by a large number of laypeople could rely on their own sources of income. This was different in the case of convents which had to be created and supported in an urban environment. Here plots of land had to be purchased and larger churches needed to be built. This was only possible on the basis of larger external material support. Once the long phase of creation was completed, bequests by members of the laity became an important source of income.