HI-02 General truth(s) about the subordinate truth about women in the Middle Ages
Abstract
Some women, however, defied norms and shaped their lives in contrast to expected behavior. Christina of Markyate’s life and career demonstrates the potential for a medieval woman to direct her own life.
Born in 1096, to members of a well-off merchant family in Huntingdon England, Christina’s upbringing offered opportunities to make connections with members of the religious elite. She also visited holy sites, such as St Albans Abbey. There she made a life-changing vow to devote her body and time to God. For the remainder of her life, Christina struggled against the expectations placed on her and against the will of powerful men who wanted to control her.
This poster will show how Christina was a prime example of a medieval feminist, being a woman who challenged social norms that were applied to women by men during the time, as she challenged the norms of society to remain true to herself. Christina demonstrated her self-autonomy against the norms of male dominance not only when she refused her marriage, but also through cultivating connections with powerful men in the church hierarchy, including Poper Adrian IV. In exploring Christina’s life this poster draws extensively from the contemporary Life of Christina of Markyate, and also considers the insight provided by secondary sources.
HI-02 General truth(s) about the subordinate truth about women in the Middle Ages
Some women, however, defied norms and shaped their lives in contrast to expected behavior. Christina of Markyate’s life and career demonstrates the potential for a medieval woman to direct her own life.
Born in 1096, to members of a well-off merchant family in Huntingdon England, Christina’s upbringing offered opportunities to make connections with members of the religious elite. She also visited holy sites, such as St Albans Abbey. There she made a life-changing vow to devote her body and time to God. For the remainder of her life, Christina struggled against the expectations placed on her and against the will of powerful men who wanted to control her.
This poster will show how Christina was a prime example of a medieval feminist, being a woman who challenged social norms that were applied to women by men during the time, as she challenged the norms of society to remain true to herself. Christina demonstrated her self-autonomy against the norms of male dominance not only when she refused her marriage, but also through cultivating connections with powerful men in the church hierarchy, including Poper Adrian IV. In exploring Christina’s life this poster draws extensively from the contemporary Life of Christina of Markyate, and also considers the insight provided by secondary sources.