Ireland and Germany in the twelfth century – A relationship set in stone?
Diarmuid Ó Riain
Supervisor: Dr. Tadhg O'Keeffe
Funded by: Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (2003-2004)
Irish Research Council for the Humanities and Social Sciences
Abstract
The principal aim of my research is to examine whether the known historical links between Ireland and Germany in and around the twelfth century left a discernible archaeological footprint upon the ecclesiastical architecture of the day in both countries. The main focus of my work is the Schottenklöster – Irish Benedictine monasteries – established in Germany at this time. My thesis will encompass an extensive archaeology of this group of monasteries, giving due regard to their particular historical and social context. The monastic churches of a number of the Schottenklöster survive in varying states of preservation, while pictorial and written evidence allows partial reconstruction of the others. The question as to whether the ethnic identity of the Irish monks and their particular place within the monastic landscape can be read from the architectural forms employed at the monasteries requires scrutiny. Among other issues to be considered will be the liturgical functions discharged by different parts of the church structure and the role of the Irish churches in the ecclesiastical festivals of the medieval town. The archaeological and historical evidence for the Schottenklöster priories in Ireland will also be examined. The extent to which these priories and the documented communication between the Irish monks in Germany and their homeland may have allowed the flow of new architectural ideas into Ireland will be assessed.