Schottenklöster: the early history and architecture of the Irish Benedictine monasteries in medieval Germany

This thesis constitutes a study of the early history and architecture of the Irish Benedictine monasteries founded in Germany between the late 11th and early 13th centuries. These so-called Schottenklöster comprised eight abbeys and two priories and were affiliated to the monastic motherhouse, St. James in Regensburg. The thesis examines the circumstances surrounding the foundation of each house, broaching issues such as the motivation of the founders, the role of the Regensburg motherhouse in the process and the relationship between the monastery and the host town. The historical sources are also used to help create a chronological framework for the erection of the various monastic churches and cloisters. In each case an attempt is made to reconstruct the original Romanesque church built on the site using the available archaeological, historical and pictorial evidence, and to place it within the regional architectural context. The thesis further considers whether there was a distinct architectural tradition associated with the Irish monasteries in Germany.