The importance of St Margaret's church in 'The Book of Margery Kempe';: a sacred place and an exemplary parishioner
This article argues that Margery Kempe is presented as an exemplary parishioner and a supporter of her parish church in The Book of Margery Kempe. It begins by demonstrating that St Margaret’s church and King’s Lynn are placed at the centre of the Book’s mapping of Christian holy places and then ana...
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| Format: | Journal article |
| Language: | English |
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Brepols Publishers
2018
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| Summary: | This article argues that Margery Kempe is presented as an exemplary parishioner and a supporter of her parish church in The Book of Margery Kempe. It begins by demonstrating that St Margaret’s church and King’s Lynn are placed at the centre of the Book’s mapping of Christian holy places and then analyses the two miracles that take place at St Margaret’s (the stone and beam in chapter 9 and the fire in chapter 67) as evidence of the church’s sanctity and its importance in Margery Kempe’s spiritual life. The article examines three interrelated characteristics of the church (the material, sacred, and communal) in relation to Margery’s identity as a lay woman and in the context of Middle English pastoral care literature. The article concludes that Margery’s role in the miracles and her behaviour in St Margaret’s church demonstrate that the Book presents an ideal church supported by an exemplary parishioner as an inspiration to its readers. |
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