Medieval Relics: The Political, Economic and Religious Power of Holy Body Parts

This episode explores how possession of saintly bones or fragments of the True Cross in medieval England could transform a monastery’s fortunes, attract pilgrims, and influence political alliances. We’ll examine the market for relics, the dangers of counterfeit artefacts, the Church’s regulation and secular authorities’ opportunism, and how miracles were used as propaganda to build reputation. By looking at surviving chronicles, inventories, and legal records we can see that while relic veneration was a genuine expression of faith, it also served tangible economic and political ends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices