The Canons of St. George’s Church in Prague. Men in the Service of Women

Abstract

The chapter explores the role and evolution of the group of St. George's canons within the context of St. George's Convent during the Middle Ages. Subordinate to the abbesses, the canons were probably established in the 13th century to enhance liturgy of the abbey church and St Mary's Chapel. Initially drawn from the convent's chaplains, their pastoral duties diminished after reforms by Archbishop Arnošt of Pardubice and his conflict with the abbey in the mid-14th century. The canons ceased to exist in the late 15th century due to estate losses in the Hussite wars and the changed religious situation in the kingdom.