Regularis Concordia (Winchester)

The Regularis Concordia was the most important document of the English Benedictine Reform, sanctioned by the Council of Winchester in about 973.

The document was compiled by Æthelwold, who was aided by monks from Fleury and Ghent. A synodal council was summoned to construct a common rule of life to be observed by all monasteries. The document served as a rule for how monastic life should be performed and included monastic rituals like the procedure for the election of bishops that differed from Continental practice, and which led to a predominantly monastic episcopacy.

One of the larger topics found within the manuscript is the Forward to the Harmony of the Rule, which is meant to apply to the monks and nuns of the entire nation that was ruled under King Edgar. This section of the document proclaimed that every religious house in the kingdom was to follow the rules prescribed in the rest of the manuscript. This included how the monastic "office" was to be performed; "office" includes vigils, lauds, and prayers and is a practice that was established in the fifth century. The prescriptions for monastic "office" are specific; for example, it includes the specific liturgical song to be performed during the mandated labor hours that were required of the monks. The portion of the manuscript dedicated to the rites of Holy Week and Easter are the most detailed. This is where the introduction of the quem quaeritis is introduced, and is now credited to be the introduction of theatrical ritual. The Regularis also creates the specific pattern and order that bells should be rung in for masses and holidays.

Prior to the creation of the Regularis Concordia, there was an air of disorder and misconduct surrounding the church and its monasteries. Authoritative figures abused their power and drifted farther away from the spiritual nature that was mandated for all Catholics. The church made a stride toward stability by unifying with the monarchy, particularly under King Edgar in the early 10th Century. Under King Edgar England experienced a short period of peace, as well as a revival of monasticism. Æthelwold of Winchester improved and expanded the Rule of Saint Benedict and wrote the Regularis Concordia as a result of Edgar's rule.

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