Ep 167 How to be a Beguine

In late medieval Europe, groups of women called beguines assembled in twos and threes, or in large communities, to practice the religious life. They lived simply, served the poor and sick, and sometimes engaged in business. But unlike nuns, they didn’t take vows. So what did it mean to be a beguine? This episode takes on that question, on which both medieval authorities and modern scholars have disagreed. (Host: Lucy Barnhouse) Patrons help us keep Footnoting History going, to become one please visit: https://www.patreon.com/Footnoting_History For further reading suggestions, please visit: https://www.footnotinghistory.com/home/how-to-be-a-beguine