Katherine of Sutton

Katherine of Sutton, Abbess of Barking (abbess 1358–1376), was a Catholic woman, known for her innovative techniques and creative plays that she wrote during her time at Barking Abbey.

As Barking Abbey only accepted women of noble birth, it is almost certain that Katherine was born into nobility. Her position as Abbess of Barking would have ranked her equivalent to a Baroness in medieval English aristocracy.

Katherine held office from 1358 to 1376, during the peak of Barking Abbey’s existence. When she became the abbess of Barking Abbey in 1358, she inherited a very powerful position of authority and publicity. As the abbess, she was responsible for both the political and theological affairs of the convent. She was also responsible for the safety and well-being of all nuns in her convent, in addition to leading and planning the liturgical ceremonies. Typically in English convents, the nun of the highest ranking was considered the supreme authority and had the most responsibility. Specifically, the abbess was required to provide goods and services for royal wars, as well as housing criminals until trial. In order to display her power, the abbess carried a staff similar to a bishop's crozier. The most historically significant power that Katherine had as an abbess was the ability to initiate changes in the liturgical practices of the convent. This was particularly significant because although some women during this time period were able to hold power in a clerical position, a man was usually present as the overall supervisor. In the case of an abbess, there was always a bishop alongside her in office, however it is unclear as to whether or not she had to report to him before making any official changes or decisions. If any changes were made to the liturgical processes, the abbess would record them in the Ordinale, a manuscript of Barking’s customs. This book was passed down to each abbess, and was only for her eyes only.

Regardless of whether or not she had to report to the Bishop of London, Katherine made several changes to the liturgical process of the convent. Under her progressive authority, Katherine incorporated performing arts into the celebration of Easter, in an effort to stimulate the audience and continue their devotion towards God.

Katherine is credited with the production of several mystery plays. These plays were constructed to enhance the religious experience of the laity during liturgy. Katherine was aware that the people attending the services were becoming increasingly more withdrawn in their devotion to the church and their faith. She truly catered to the devotional needs of the public, as she incorporated both educational matter and visual elements into her plays to stimulate the interest and adoration of the people during the Easter celebrations. Although these plays were not considered unique in comparison to pre-existing dramas at the time, they were different in that they engaged not only the lay people, but also the nuns in the convent. Moreover, the plays are also noted to have been very realistic and graphic, which made the experience both unique and exciting. There were four plays in all: Depositio, Descensus, Elevatio, and Visitatio Sepulchri.

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