Mary Clayton discusses the cult of the Virgin Mary from the seventh century to the conquest. The book has a particularly unique aspect because the cult of the Virgin Mary is more typically considered by most medievalists in terms of post 11th Century. Clayton's passion and interest for the subject lies in late 7th to 11th Century Anglo Saxon England- a time period whereby the author claims devotion to the cult of Virgin Mary had soared.

Dr. Clayton stresses that Virgin Mary was the most important saint of the monastic movement and investigates this significance and influence that the topic has brought to the church.