Publications
The Cult of St. Richard of Chichester in the Middle Ages, by David Jones, published 1983 in Sussex Archæological Collections (vol. 121, article, pp.79-86) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 8902] & The Keep [LIB/500308] & S.A.S. library
Saint Richard of Chichester: The sources for his life, edited by David Jones, published December 1995 (vol. 79, 279 pp., Sussex Record Society, ISBN-10: 0854450408 & ISBN-13: 9780854450404) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 13012][Lib 13830][Lib 17199] & The Keep [LIB/500456][Lib/507862] View Online
Abstract:St. Richard is one of the most attractive English saints-and it is surprising that the early sources that tell his story have been inaccessible for so long. In this volume David Jones brings them together: the first English translation of the Life written by Richard's friend and disciple, Ralph Bocking; the original Latin text (which has not appeared in print since 1675); the first publication of Cardinal Odo of Chateauroux's sermon, which is based on the lost canonisation archive; the first translation of the Statutes by which Richard governed his diocese; and his will. In addition, a picture of Richard's official acts and journeys has been compiled-from a bewildering range of obscure sources - providing a valuable conspectus of the life and activity of a mediaeval English bishop. The introduction weaves all these threads together to provide the rounded portrait.
A fascinating and attractive personality emerges. We see a major religious leader, who was fully prepared to clash head on with his King, and who set out to reform the moral and spiritual life of his diocese. We see a charismatic figure, a man of great personal holiness, whose personal affection for his followers also demanded the highest moral standards from them. We see a masterly administrator, who undertook major work on Chichester Cathedral-and who knew exactly how to extract the funds to do it.
This volume will be indispensable for anyone with an interest in, or affection for, St. Richard-and essential for students of English mediaeval and religious history and history of the county of Sussex.
A fascinating and attractive personality emerges. We see a major religious leader, who was fully prepared to clash head on with his King, and who set out to reform the moral and spiritual life of his diocese. We see a charismatic figure, a man of great personal holiness, whose personal affection for his followers also demanded the highest moral standards from them. We see a masterly administrator, who undertook major work on Chichester Cathedral-and who knew exactly how to extract the funds to do it.
This volume will be indispensable for anyone with an interest in, or affection for, St. Richard-and essential for students of English mediaeval and religious history and history of the county of Sussex.