Vaucelles Abbey: Social, Political, and Ecclesiastical Relationships in the Borderland Region of the Cambrésis, 1131–1300 by Kathryn E. Salzer (review)
- Vaucelles Abbey: Social, Political, and Ecclesiastical Relationships in the Borderland Region of the Cambrésis, 1131–1300 by Kathryn E. Salzer
In this monograph, Kathryn E. Salzer presents an in-depth study of the Cistercian abbey of Vaucelles, from 1131–1300. A male foundation and daughter house of Clairvaux, Vaucelles was located thirteen kilometres south of Cambrai on the Escaut River, in the politically complex and contested borderland region of the Cambrésis. Vaucelles achieved significant economic and political success developing an extensive monastic complex and patrimony including 'lands and rights in five dioceses, several counties, two royal realms, numerous parishes and towns, and a variety of agricultural areas' (p. 313). It is this success, and the factors behind it, that are the primary concern of this study.
The book is divided into seven chapters. Chapter 1 provides the historiographical context for the study, including a discussion on the theme of the borderland region. Chapter 2 explores the geopolitical context and its impact on Vaucelles. Chapter 3 focuses on the economic and agricultural practices of Vaucelles, particularly its use of lay brothers and the development of its seventeen granges. Chapters 4 and 5 address the relationships between Vaucelles and its diverse range of gift and authorial patrons, including lay nobles, bishops, and the kings of France and Germany. Chapter 6 focuses on Vaucelles's relationship with the Cistercian general chapter, and other Cistercian houses, within and beyond its regional sphere of influence.
In the final chapter, Salzer asserts that the success of Vaucelles was due to three factors. Firstly, Vaucelles maintained strong relationships with its patrons and neighbours ensuring the development and protection of its agricultural patrimony. Secondly, its location in the contested borderland region of the Cambrésis provided it the opportunity to benefit from competing political and ecclesiastical interests. Thirdly, its Cistercian character and relationship with the Cistercian order more generally allowed Vaucelles to further extend and strengthen its influence beyond the Cambrésis.
Salzer's compelling study of the abbey of Vaucelles sheds light on a lesser known Cistercian foundation, and adds to our understanding of the Cambrésis and the borderland region. It is a valuable contribution to both monastic and medieval studies. [End Page 244]
