ABSTRACT
The abbey of Tiron was established in the early 12th century on a liminal, forested site. In this paper, we adopt the strategies of cultural geography, regionalism, and liminality to situate the monastery within its marginal geographic location. The results of our archaeological excavations on the site, together with analysis of standing remains, and study of visual and documentary evidence, enable us to reconstruct the plan and elevation of the 12th-century church. We examine the contributions of local and extraregional supporters in shaping the church and its community. We also analyse the cultural geography of church construction at Tiron, investigating its local and transregional sources, building materials, modes of design and construction, as well as the varied sources for – and frames through which – its size, plan, and elevation may have been viewed and interpreted by its 12th-century community and sponsors.
