Introduction to the history of medieval boroughs




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Urban society

Depiction of a feast, from the tomb brass of Robert Braunch; perhaps intended as the merchant gild of Lynn, of which Robert was a member, feasting in Trinity Hall, its walls hung with star-emblazoned cloths. The symbolic 12 participants, dining on delicacies, entertained by minstrels, and several in lively conversation, should not be thought to represent specific townspeople; although it has been suggested that the depiction is of a feast at which the gild hosted Edward III, this is unlikely, even though the king often came to nearby Castle Rising to visit his mother. We must allow for a certain amount of invention by the Flemish engraver in carrying out the terms of his commission. However, the choice of a peacock feast, which had a ritualistic dimension, as the theme may have been intended to symbolize Adam's sense of fellowship and solidarity with other gildsmen who were community leaders.

St. Laurence,
Norwich

(by Corbridge, 1724)
St. Mary Elms,
Ipswich

(by Ogilby, 1674)
St. Mary Coslany,
Norwich

(by Corbridge, 1724)
St. Peter,
Ipswich

(by Ogilby, 1674)


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Created: April 5, 1999. Last update: September 21, 2016 © Stephen Alsford, 1999-2016