The Coming of the Friars

In Short

The Coming of the Friars by Augustus Jessopp is a historical exploration of the Franciscan order's arrival and impact in medieval England. Through vivid narratives, Jessopp illustrates how these friars, with their radical commitment to poverty and service, captivated both the lowest outcasts and the highest nobility. The book delves into the social, religious, and intellectual transformations they spurred, while also painting a broader picture of life in the 13th and 14th centuries—from the Black Death's ravages to the evolution of universities. Jessopp's work remains valuable for its detailed insights into this pivotal era and the enduring lessons of the friars' selflessness.

The Story

Augustus Jessopp's The Coming of the Friars begins by introducing the Franciscan order, founded by Saint Francis of Assisi, and their arrival in England during the 13th century. These friars, committed to lives of extreme poverty and service, quickly gained attention for their dedication to the poorest and most marginalized members of society. Jessopp describes how their selfless acts, such as tending to lepers and living in squalid conditions, challenged the cynicism of the time and inspired both the common people and the nobility.

The narrative then shifts to the broader social and religious landscape of medieval England. Jessopp paints a vivid picture of village life, highlighting the oppressive systems of villeinage, where peasants were bound to the land and their lords. He contrasts this with the friars' message of equality and compassion, which offered a glimmer of hope to those trapped in despair. The book also explores the intellectual and spiritual movements of the time, including the rise of universities like Oxford and Cambridge, and the role of figures such as Robert Grosseteste in fostering the Franciscans' influence.

A significant portion of the book is dedicated to the Black Death, which ravaged England in the 14th century. Jessopp provides a harrowing account of the plague's spread, its symptoms, and its devastating impact on both the peasantry and the gentry. He describes the breakdown of social order, the abandonment of fields, and the desperate measures taken by those trying to survive. Yet, even in this darkness, the friars' commitment to their mission shines through, as they remained in plague-stricken areas to care for the sick and dying.

The story concludes with reflections on the enduring legacy of the Franciscans and the broader historical lessons of their time. Jessopp examines the evolution of universities, the persistence of prophetic movements, and the resilience of human spirit in the face of adversity. He leaves readers with a profound appreciation for the friars' contributions and a deeper understanding of the complexities of medieval life.

How It Unfolds

The Friars' Arrival: The book opens with the Franciscans' arrival in England, detailing their immediate impact on society. Jessopp describes how their radical lifestyle and message of compassion quickly gained them followers and admirers, from the poorest villagers to the highest nobility.

Village Life and Oppression: Jessopp shifts focus to the daily struggles of medieval peasants, trapped in a system of villeinage that offered no hope of escape. He contrasts this bleak reality with the friars' teachings, which provided a moral and spiritual lifeline to those suffering under oppressive lords.

The Black Death's Ravages: The narrative turns to the mid-14th century, when the Black Death swept through England. Jessopp provides a detailed account of the plague's horrors, from its physical symptoms to its societal consequences, including the breakdown of law and order and the desperate efforts of clergy to provide solace.

Intellectual and Spiritual Movements: Jessopp explores the intellectual and spiritual currents of the time, including the rise of universities and the role of monastic scriptoria in preserving knowledge. He highlights how the Franciscans, despite their vow of poverty, became key players in these academic and religious developments.

Legacy and Reflections: The book concludes with reflections on the Franciscans' enduring legacy, from their influence on education to their embodiment of Christian charity. Jessopp also considers broader historical themes, such as the persistence of prophetic movements and the resilience of human spirit in the face of catastrophe.

The People

Saint Francis of Assisi: The founder of the Franciscan order, Saint Francis is portrayed as a figure of immense spiritual power and humility. His commitment to poverty and service sets the tone for the entire movement, inspiring generations of friars to follow in his footsteps.

The Friars: Collectively, the friars are depicted as selfless and courageous individuals who challenge societal norms. Their willingness to live among the poorest and most marginalized, and their dedication to preaching and caring for others, make them central to the book's narrative.

The Peasants: Representing the majority of medieval England's population, the peasants are shown as enduring immense hardship under the oppressive system of villeinage. Their lives are marked by poverty, despair, and limited opportunities, making the friars' message of hope and equality particularly resonant.

The Nobility and Clergy: The nobility and clergy are portrayed as both beneficiaries and perpetuators of the oppressive systems of the time. While some, like Robert Grosseteste, support the friars' mission, others resist their message, fearing the loss of power and privilege.

Victims of the Black Death: The plague's victims, from peasants to gentry, are depicted with compassion and humanity. Jessopp highlights their suffering, the breakdown of social structures, and the heroic efforts of those, like the friars, who remained to care for the dying.

In Its Own Voice

As one reads the stories of those earlier Franciscans, one is reminded every now and then of the extravagances of the Salvation Army.

This line captures the friars' radical commitment to serving the poorest and most marginalized, drawing a parallel between their actions and the modern Salvation Army's dedication to social welfare.

Never was there a time when the people needed more to be taught the very rudiments of morality. Never had there been a time when people cared less whether their acts and words were right or wrong, true or false.

Here, Jessopp underscores the moral and spiritual void in medieval society, which the friars sought to fill with their teachings and example.

What It's Really About

At its core, The Coming of the Friars is about the power of compassion and selflessness to transform society. Jessopp uses the Franciscans' story to explore themes of inequality, oppression, and the human capacity for resilience in the face of adversity. The book also delves into the tension between spiritual ideals and societal realities, questioning whether true change can come from within existing systems or requires radical outsiders like the friars. Additionally, Jessopp reflects on the role of history in shaping our understanding of the past, cautioning against oversimplified explanations and emphasizing the complexity of historical phenomena.

Why Read It Today

The Coming of the Friars offers a rich and detailed portrait of medieval life, making it a valuable read for anyone interested in history, religion, or social justice. Jessopp's vivid descriptions and engaging narrative style bring the past to life, allowing readers to connect with the struggles and triumphs of people from a distant era. While the book reflects some period attitudes—such as its treatment of the persecution of Jews during the Black Death—it also provides a nuanced critique of oppression and inequality, themes that remain relevant today. Readers will appreciate Jessopp's ability to balance historical detail with broader reflections on human nature, making this a thought-provoking and enduring work.