Intrafamilial relations between clergy and laity: the case of the Nemours family at the turn of the twelfth and thirteenth centuries

Abstract Medieval theorists spilt much ink identifying the divisions within society, pitting the powers of the Church against those of the laity. However, by turning to documentary sources, historians have revealed a much more complex reality. This article contributes to this wider picture by bringing to light the intrafamilial relations between the clergy and laity of the house of Nemours around the turn of the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. This family provided numerous servants both to the Capetians and to the Church. These individuals managed to maintain harmonious relations with their relatives, notwithstanding the challenges and constraints of their respective roles.