Monastery Water System Map

Monastery Water System Map

Similar to a modern architectural blueprint, this plan depicts both the building layout and the water pipe system of the Canterbury Cathedral and its monastery. However, unlike a blueprint, its use was most likely limited to memorialization by the monks of an important building project, rather than for use by architects or repairmen. The plan also differs from a blueprint because it is drawn from the ground perspective, which means that it shows the façades of the buildings rather structural details. The only thing visible to the viewer that would not be visible to the naked eye is the (red in the original, but gray here) labyrinth of water pipes, which snake between buildings and betray a more intimate knowledge of the workings of the building complex. Juxtaposed with the monks’ religious work (this map is an addition to a manuscript copy of the Book of Psalms), this plan reminds you of the practical aspects of their life in the monastery. (Connor Kasch '17 and Rowan Matney '16)

Unknown

Canterbury Psalter (also known as Eadwine Psalter). Cambridge, Trinity College, R.17.1, f.284b-285.

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The Canterbury Psalter, ed. M.R. James. London: P. Lund, Humpries & Co, 1935.

12th century

Special Collections, Carleton College, Northfield, MN.

http://libraries.slu.edu/a/digital_collections/mssexhibit07/manuscripts/eadwine.html

Latin

Plan

Rights for map held by individual publishers and institutions. Thumbnails displayed constitute fair use.

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