Dr. Compton Reeves, Research Officer of the American Branch of the Richard III Society, presented a new paper at the 61st International Congress of Medieval Studies, hosted by The Medieval Institute at Western Michigan University.  Dr. Reeves’ paper focused on the interdependence of the clergy of the secular cathedrals of England and the lay populations of the cities where the cathedrals were located. He addressed the economic, educational, and socio-legal impact resulting from the cathedral’s role in having exclusive jurisdiction over family law, in running Latin grammar schools and choir training for community children, and by being a major buyer and seller of goods in the marketplace. Many cathedrals also had significant foot traffic of pilgrims who were visiting a saint’s shrine there. Read more about Dr. Reeves’ paper in the upcoming issue of the Ricardian Register, the research journal of the American Branch.

Dr. Reeves has been the Research Officer of the American Branch for several years, and is a Professor Emeritus of History at University of Ohio, in Athens, OH, where he served as chair of its History Department.