Saints and Sinners: Holy Lives and Local Cults in the Medieval British Church

Saints and Sinners reveals the captivating world of medieval Britain through the extraordinary lives of its most beloved saints-Cuthbert, Aidan, Hilda, Chad-and the vibrant local cults they inspired. Far beyond distant figures of piety, these holy men and women shaped the very fabric of society, politics, and culture in a time when the sacred and the everyday were inseparably intertwined. Journey into a world where miracles were not mere tales but powerful forces that healed communities, defended kingdoms, and forged identities.
Discover how relics and pilgrimage transformed towns into spiritual powerhouses, drawing thousands seeking divine intervention. Explore the untold stories of women saints who wielded remarkable influence in an era often hostile to female authority, and unravel the intense rivalries, skeptics, and sinners that contested sanctity at every turn. Drawing on rich historical sources and vivid narrative, Saints and Sinners unveils how sanctity was a dynamic social force-one that could unify and divide, inspire devotion and political power, faith and fear.
This is a sweeping and intimate exploration of holiness as lived, contested, and remembered, offering readers fresh insights into medieval faith, community, and the enduring human quest for the divine. Perfect for history lovers, medieval enthusiasts, and readers fascinated by the intersection of religion and society, this book brings medieval saints off the pages of dusty tomes and into vibrant life-where their miracles, struggles, and legacies continue to resonate today.