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Index to the Rolls Series

Compiled by Steven H Silver.


This page owes its existence to Andy Van Dam at Indiana University, Bloomington.


1. Capgrave, John. Chronicle of England. Ed. by F. C. Hingeston, London 1858.

Capgrave, an Augustinian friar of Lynn, was engaged in compiling this chronicle at the time of his death (1464). It was written in English and covers the time up to 1417.

2. Abingdon, Abbey. Chronicon Monasterii de Abingdon. Ed. by J Stevenson. 2 vols. London, 1858.

Covers the period A. D. 201-1189. The oldest MS. belongs to the first half of the 13th century. The earlier and larger portion of the chronicle is mainly a transcript of the title-deeds of the abbey, A. D. 687-1066, with some narrative. After 1066 we find fewer charters and more narrative. The documents embodied in this work illustrate polit ical and ecclesiastical history, institutional life, and the social condition of the people. The narrative portions, though dealing mainly with the monastery, also give some information concerning the general affairs of the kingdom.

3. Luard, H. R. (ed.). Lives of Edward the Confessor. London, 1858.

The only contemporary life of Edward, and a valuable source for the study of his reign. It was compiled by an unknown writer between 1066 and 1074; Bohmer, in his Kirche and Staat, says that it was written by a chaplain of King Edward or Queen Eadgyth, who was educated in Flanders.

4. Monumenta Franciscana. Ed. by J. S. Brewer and R. Howlett. 2 vols. London, 1858-1882.

  1. Thomas of Eccleston's De adventu fratrum minorum in Angliam: a valuable contemporary account of the history of the Franciscans in England, A. D. 1224-50; probably not completed before 1260.
  2. Epistolae Adae de Marisco (d. circa 1256). He was an intimate friend of Simon de Montfort.
  3. Prima fundatio fratrum minorum Dondoniae, 1224-1351.
  4. Dispute between the Franciscans and the monks of Westminster, 1290.
  5. Regula Francisci
  6. Statutes of Franciscans, 1451.
  7. Chronicle of the Greyfriars, London, 1189-1556.

The preface to volume one contains an excellent account of the Franciscans.

5. Netter, Thomas. Fasciculi Zizaniorium Magistri Wyelif cum Tritico. Ed. by W. W. Shirley. London, 1858.

A series of documents extending to 1428, connected by a narra tive. In this work we have the only contemporary account of the rise of the Lollards. Shirley, in his valuable introduction, states that a large part of the work was probably compiled in 1392-94 by Stephen Patryngton, who gave his papers to Netter, and that the latter made additions during the years 1414-28. Netter, who is better known as Walden, was the confessor of Henry V, and one of the ablest opponents of the Lollards.

6. Boece, Hector. The buik of(sic) the croniclis of Scotland; or, A metrical version of the History of Hector Boece; by William Stewart. Ed. by W. B. Turnbull. 3 Vols. London. 1858.

William Stewart (c. 1480-c.1550), Scottish poet and translator. His metrical translation of Boece's History of Scotland was made in obedience to the command of James V and remained in Ms. till 1858 when it was published for the first time in the Rolls Series. The manuscript is now in the library of the University of Cambridge. Boece's Scotorum Historiae was first published in 1527.

7. Capgrave, John. Leber do Illustribus Henricis. Ed. by F. C. Hingeston. London 1858.

A collection of memoirs of German emperors, A. D. A,& 919-1198, English kings, 1100-1446, and other illustrious men who had borne the name of Henry in various parts of the world, 1031-1406. The portion relating to Henry VI is a contemporary record, but it consists mainly of "pious ejaculations" in praise of the king. The chapters relating to the other Henries of England are derived from well known chroni clers (Henry of Huntingdon, Higden, etc.) Capgrave was an Augustinian friar of Lymm, and completed this work between 1446 and 1453.

8. Thomas of Elmham. Historia Monasterii S. Augustini Cantuariensis, by Thomas of Elmham, formerly Monk and Treasurer of that Foundation. ed. by C. Hardwick, London. 1858.

Compiled in 1441, Probably by Thomas of Elmham, a monk of St. Augustine's. The portion of the work actually completed covers the years 597-806, while the rest of the volume is made up of rough materials for the projected continuation of the history, such as charters and bulls relating to the abbey, from about 1066-1191.

9. Eulogium (historiarum sive temporis): Chronicon ab orbe condito usque ad annum Domin M.CCC.LXVL., a monacho quodam Malmseburiensi exaratum. Accedunt continuationes duae, quarum una ad annum M.CCC.XIII., altera ad annum M.CCCC.XC. pe ducta est. Ed. by F. S. Haydon. 3 vols. London, 1858-1863.

A general survey of English history, probably written by a monk of Malmesbury named Thomas, who completed the work about 1367. The early part is a compilation from Geoffrey of Monmouth, Higden and other chroniclers. The part 1356-66 is contemporaneous. The contin uation to 1413, added by an unknown hand in the first half of the 15th century, is also valuable, especially for the proceedings of parlia ments in Richard II's time.

10. Historia regis Henrici Septimi, a Bernardo Andrea tholosate conscripta; necnon alia quaedam ad eundem regem spectantia (Memorials of Henry VII). London, 1858.

Based on Materials in the Public Record Office. Gairdner was Assistant Keeper of the P. R. O. 1859-1893. See also Materials for a History of the Reign of Henry VII.

11. Cole, C. A. (ed.). Memorials of Henry the Fifthe, King of England. London 1858.

  1. Redman's Vita; written in praise of Henry V, between 1536-1544.
  2. Versus rhythmici, written in 1418-19; for Elmham's "History of the Monastery of St. Augustine, Canterbury", see item 8. He was a monk of that abbey in 1407 and prior of Lenton in 1414.

12. (London Corporation); Munimenta Gildhallae Londoniensis; Liber Albus, Liber Custumarum et Liber Horn, in Archivis Gildhallae asservati. Ed. by H. T. Riley. 3 vols. in 4 London, 1859-1860.

  1. Liber Allbus, by John Carpenter, 1419.
  2. Liber Custumarum, circa 1320.
  3. Translations of the Anglo-Norman passages in Liber Albus; glos saried, etc. Liber Horn, 1311.

These volumes contain valuable documents illustrating the legal, social, and constitutional history of London, especially during the 13th and 14th centuries.

13. Johannes de Oxendes. Chronica Johannis de Oxenedes (to 1293). Ed. by H. Ellis. London, 1859.

Written late in the 13th century. The author, a monk of St. Benet, Holme, Norfolk, made use of William of Malmesbury, Roger of Wendover, Matthew Paris, and other chroniclers, adding some facts of local interest concerning Norfolk, 1280-93.

14. Wright, Thomas (ed.). Political poems and songs relating to English history, composed during the period from the accession of Edward III to that of Richard III. 2 vols. London, 1859-61.

  1. Les Voeus du Heron (with an English translation). Relates how Edward III came to declare war against Philip of Valois in 1338; com posed about 1341.
  2. John of Bridlington. Contains a critical review of the political acts of Edward III, especially from 1327 to 1346, in Latin verse with a prose commentary; completed about 1370 by an unknown writer who adopts the pseudonym "John of Bridlington".
  3. The Reconciliation of Richard II with the City of London, 1393, by Richard de Maidstone (d. 1396), an admirer of Richard II.
  4. The Complaint of the Plowman, also called The Plowman's Tale. Assails the clergy; written about 1394.
  5. John Gower's Corruptions of the Age, Vices of the Different Orders of Society, King Richard II. Tripartite Chronicles, Verses on Henry IV, etc. These poems of Gower assail the government of Richard II and denounce the Lollards.
  6. The Deposition of Richard II, also called Richard the Redeless.
  7. Jack Upland. A popular indictment of the corruption of the friars, written in 1402.
  8. The Libel of English Policy.

15. Bacon, Roger. Fr. Rogeri Bacon Opera quaedam hactenus ineditia. I. I. Opus tertium. II. Opus minus. III. compendium philosophiae. Ed. by J. S. Brewer. London, 1859.

  1. Preface. Life of Roger Bacon. (From Wood's Antiquitates univ. Oxon.)
  2. Opus tertium.
  3. Opus minus.
  4. Compendium philosophiae.
  5. Appendix: De nullitate magiae. Apologia in Hieronymum, Tartarottum, nuperum censorem doctrine. fr. Rogeri Baconis, minoritae.

16. Bartholomaeus de Cotton. Historia Anglicana (A. D. 449-1298), necnon ejusdem Liber do Archiepiscopis et Episcopis Angliae. Ed. by H. R. Luard. London, 1859.

The Historia was begun in 1292. Bk. I (De Regibus Britonum) is copied from Geoffrey of Monmouth, and is not printed by Luard. The part A. D. 449-1066 is mainly an abridgement of Henry of Huntingdon, and the entries from 1066 to 1291 are transcribed from the Annals of Norwich. From 1291 to 1298 the work in original and contemporaneous. The above mentioned Annals of Norwich, to 1263, are based mainly upon Matthew of Paris, John of Wallingford, and Tayster; from 1264 onward this chronicle, with Cotton's continuation, is a contemporary authority of much importance, especially for the reign of Edward I. A notable feature of this part of the work is the large number of papal bulls, royal letters, and other documents which it contains. The Liber de Archiepiscopis is mainly an abridgement of William of Malmseburys's De Gestis Pontificum. Cotton was a monk of the cathedral church of Norwich.

17. Brut y Tywysogion: the Chronicle of the Princes of Wales. (A. D. 681-1281). Ed. by J. Williams ab Ithel. London, 1860.

One of the chief authorities for Welsh history. Down to 1120 it may be a Welsh translator of the lost Latin chronicle compiled by Caradoc of Llancarvan, who died about the middle of the 12th century. The earlier portion, to 954, was probably based on the

HREF="#wales">Annals Cambriae.

18. Hingeston, F. C. (ed.). Royal and Historical letters During the Reign of Henry the Fourth, King of England and France, and Lord of Ireland. Vol. 1.: AD. 1399-1404. London, 1860.

19. Pecock, Reginald. The Repressor of Overmuch Blaming of the Clergy, by Reginald Pecock, sometime Bishop of Chichester. Ed. by C. Babington. 2 vols. London, 1860.

Pecock was made bishop of Chicester in 1450, but was deposed for heresy in 1457. His Repressor, written in English about 1449, defends the clergy against the attacks of the Lollards. It is valu able because "it preserves to us the best arguments of the Lollards against existing practices which he was able to find, together with such answers as a very acute opponent was able to give." The introduction to volume I contains a good account of Pecock's life.

20. Annales Cambriae. (AD. 444-1288). Ed. by J. Williams ab Ithel, M. A. London, 1860.

This is the best authority for early Welsh history, and seeming ly the basis for all later chronicles of Wales. It was completed about 954, probably at St. Davids, and perhaps by Blegewyrd, archdea con of Llandaff. The earlier portion seems to be derived from an Irish chronicle. Although the work deals mainly with Wales, it contains some brief but valuable notices of English events from A. D. 957. onward. The latter part of the continuation was probably written in the monastery of Strata Florida.

21. Giraldus. Giraldi Cambrensis opera. Ed. by J. S. Brewer. (Vols. 1- 4). J. F. Dimock, (Vols. 5-7) and G. F. Warner, (Vol. 8). 8 vols. London, 1861-1891. Orig. ed and reprint.

  1. Invectionum Libellus; Symbolum Electorum (1861).
  2. Gemma Ecclesiastica (1862).
  3. De Invectionibus, Lib. IV; De Menevensi Ecclesia Dialogus; Vita S. David (1863).
  4. Speculum Ecclesiae; De Vita Galfridi Archiepiscopi Eboracensis sive Certamina Galfridi Eboracensis Archiepiscopi (1873).
  5. Topographia Hibernica

      The first recension appeared in 1188. Gerald collected material for this description of Ireland and its inhabitants, and for his Expugnation, during his two visits to Ireland in 1183 and 1185-86.

  6. (et) Expugnatio Hibernica 1166-85

      This history of Henry II's conquest of Ireland was completed about 1188. Hardy calls it the most valuable of Gerald's writing, and believes that as a historical monograph it "may challenge comparison with any existing work of a similar nature." Brewer also rates Gerald's two treatises on Ireland high among historical sources. (1867).

  7. Itinerarium Kambriae

      This itinerary gives an account of Archbish op Baldwin's pilgrimage in Wales 1188 to preach the crusade; it also deals with the topography, natural history, etc. of Wales, The first recension appeared in 1191, the third about 1214.,

  8. (et) Descriptio Kambr iae, in two books

      The first recension appeared about 1194, the second about 1215. Dimock regards this as the most valuable of Gerald's treatises. (1868).

  9. Vita S. Remigii, et Vita S. Hugonis (1877).
  10. de Principis Instructione Liber. With Index to Vols. 1-4 and 8 (1891).

Gerald was Archdeacon of Brecknock. He was twice elected to the see of St. Davids, but failed to secure possession of it.

22. Stevenson, Joseph (ed.). Letters and Papers illustrative of the Wars of the English in France during the reign of Henry VI (with a translation). 2 vols. in 3 pts. London, 1861-64.

From various sources in France and England, with translations of the French texts and, in vol. II, pt. 2, William of Worchester's collec tions respecting the Wars in France and Normandy and his Annales rerum Anglicarum, 1324-1491. The Annales of William of Worcester contains some useful information concerning the Wars of the Roses. There are no entries for the years 1469-90; and the account of the year 1491 looks and like an addition by a later hand. William of Worcester, also called William Botoner, was a native of Bristol and an ardent adherent of the house of York. He was secretary to John Fastolf, the celebrated Norfolk knight.

23. Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, According to the Several Original Authori ties. Edited, with a translation by B. Thorpe. 2 vols. London, 1861.

This is the oldest historical work written in any Germanic Language, and is the basis of most of our knowledge of Anglo-Saxon history from the year 732 onward. The MSS., with the periods which they cover, are:

  1. Corpus Christi college, Cambridge, clxxii, (B. C. 60-A. D. 1070).
  2. Cotton, Tib. A. vi (Incarnation- A. D. 977).
  3. Cotton, Tib, B. i, (B. C. 60-A. D. 10660.
  4. Cotton, Tib, B. iv (Inc- A. D. 1079).
  5. Bodleian, Laud, 636 (Inc.-A. D. 1154).
  6. Cotton, Domit, A, viis. (Inc- A. D. 1058). G. Cotton, Otho, Bxi (?). (B. C. 60- A. D. 1001).

The compilation of each MS has been identified with a religious house in southern England: hence A is called the Winchester chronicle; B has been assigned to Canterbury; C to Abingdon; D to Worcester; E to Peterborough; F to Canterbury; G is largely a late copy of A. The greater part of g was destroyed in the cottonian fire of 1731, but the whole was printed by Abraham Wheloc in 1643. The best authori ties regard A as the oldest, but believe that it is a copy of an older original of the 9th century, from which also the other MSS. (A-F) in parallel columns.

24. Gairdner, James (ed.). Letters and Papers illustrative of the reigns of Richard III and Henry VII. 2 vols. London, 1861-63.

Most of the documents of Richard III's reign are copied from the Harleian MSS., and deal mainly with England's foreign relations.

25. Grossteste, Robert. Robert Grossteste episcopi quondam Linclon miensis Epistolae. Ed. by H. R. Luard. London, 1861.

Grossteste, a secular himself, was the first lector of the Franciscans at Oxford. His letters (about 1210-53) throw light on the condition of the English church. Some of them are addressed to Henry II and Simon do Montfort. Luard's preface contains a good account of Grossteste's life.

26. Hardy, T. D. Descriptive Catalogue of Materials relating to the History of Great Britain and Ireland to the end of the reign of Henry VII. 3 vols. in 4 parts. London, 1862-1871.

Deals mainly with the chroniclers. The appendix of vol. I con tains a useful list of the printed materials: publications of societies, collections of records and chroniclers, etc. The body of the work is mainly a catalogue of MSS.

27. Shirley, W. W. (ed.). Royal and Other Historical Letters Illustra tive of the Reign of Henry II, from the Originals in the Public Record Office. 2 vols. London, 1862-66.

Made up of "litterae regum or ancient correspondence," together with some letters taken from the patent and close rolls. Transcripts, Latin with brief calendar in English and an appendix of illustrative documents in each volume.

28. St. Albans Abbey. Chronica Monasterii S. Albani. ed. by H. T. Riley. 7 works in 12 vols. London, 1863-1876 (partly in the orig. ed.)

  1. Walsingham, Thomas. Historia Anglicana. 2 vols. London, 1863- 1864.

      The earlier portion of the Historia Anglicana is a compilation from other chroniclers; the part 1272-1377 is derived mainly from Henningburgh, Higden, Rishanger and Trokelowe. The contemporary account of the years 1377-1422 is original and valuable. It is particularly important for the career of Wyclif, Wat Tyler's revolt and other events of Richard II's reign.

  2. Rishanger, William. Chronica et Annales 1259-1307. London, 1865.
    1. Chronica (1259-1306)
    2. Gesta Edwardi Primi Regis Angliae (1259- 1307
    3. Three fragments of Annales Regis edwardi Primi

    Rishanger became a monk of St. Albans in 1271.

  3. Trokelowe, John de. Johannes de Troklowe et Henrici de Blane forde Chronica et Annales 1259-1296, 1307-1324, 1392-1406. London, 1865.

    Written after 1229, valuable for the reign of Edward II. The author, monk of St. Albans, was an eye-witness of many of the trans actions which he narrates. His work was the basis of Walsingham's account of the years 1307-23; but Walsingham attributes these annals to Rishanger.

  4. Walsingham, Thomas. Gesta Abbatum Monasterii S. Albani, a Thomas Walsingham, regnate Ricardo Secundo, ejusdem ecclesiae Prae centore, compilata. 3 vols. London, 1867-1869.

    To 1225 it is derived mainly from Matthew Paris's Vitae Abbatum; the part 1255-1307 is by an anonymous writer; the part 1308-81 is Walsingham's work; and there is a continuation to 1401. This chronicle contains much documentary material relating to the abbey. The peas ants' rising in Herts., 1381, is dealt with in vol. III. The approach to vol. II contains synodal constitutions, A. D . 1326-49, for the clergy of St. Albans and for the neighboring hospital of St. Julian; also the customs of the nuns of St. Mary at Sopwell.

  5. Amundesham, Johannes. Annales Monasterii S. Albani, a Johanne Amundesham, monacho, ut videtur, conscripti (A. D. 1421-1440). Quibus praefigitur Chronicon rerum gestarum in Mon. S. Albani (A. D. 1422-1431), a quodam auctore ignoto compilatum, 2 vols. London, 1870-1871.

    These Annals, Probably written before 1452, give some informa tion concerning the current events of the day, but are devoted mainly to the affairs of the abbey. Amundesham was a monk of St. Albans concerning whose life little is known.

  6. St. Albans Abbey. Registra quorundam Abbatum Monasterii S. Albani, qui saeculo XV floruere (John Wethamstede, Will. Albon, etc.). 2 vols. London, 1872-1873.

    Probably compiled by some unknown hand some after Whethan stede's death. The work does not merely deal with the affairs of the abbey, but is also a valuable contemporary account of the Political history of England, especially during the years 1455-61. Blakeney formerly owned the manuscript. Vol 2 of the Registra contains let ters written by Wethamstede, A. D. 1459-64. He was abbot of St. Albans, 1420-40, 1451-65.

  7. Walsingham, Thomas. Ypodigma Neustriae London, 1876.

The Ypodigma Neustriae, or Memorials of Normandy (dedicated to Henry V in 1419) is a manual of Norman and English history. The earlier part is derived from William of Jumeiges, Diceto, Trevet, etc. In this and in his other works Walsingham vilifies the Lollards. He was precentor and "Scriptorarius" or principal scribe of the abbey of St. Albans. In 1394 he was made prior of Wymondham, Norfolk; but he probably returned to St. Albans in 1400.

29. Marcay, W. D. (ed.) Chronicon abbatiae de Evesham adannum 1418. London, 1863.

Bks. I and II contain the life and miracles of St. Egwin, bishop of Worcester (d 717). Bk. II, which sets forth the actual history of the abbey from 714-718, was written by Thomas of Marlborough, abbot of Evesham (1230-36), as far back as the year 1214, and from 1214 to 1418 by an unknown continuator. The work furnishes us with a vivid picture of the inner life of a great monastery. Much attention is devoted to the struggle of the abbey to secure exemption from the visitations of Worcester, 1202=1206, and the constitution of the abbey, 1214, are given in full.

30. Richard of Cirencester. Ricardi de Cirencestria Speculum Histor iale de gestis Regum Angliae. Ed. by J. E. B. Mayor. 2 vols. London, 1863-1869.

Derived from Bebe (Bede?), Geoffrey of Monmouth, Roger of Wend over, and other chroniclers. Book IV is devoted to Edward the Con fessor. The author was a monk of Westminster.

31a. Year Books of the Reign of Edward I. Ed. with translation by A. V. Horwood. 5 vol. London, 1866-1879.

Transcripts with translation, French.

  1. Yrs. 20-21. Eyres of Hereford and Salop, 1292: cases in common pleas, 1292; eyre of Stafford 1293.
  2. Yrs. 21022. Cases in common pleas, 1293; eyre of Middlesex, 1294.
  3. Yrs. 30-31. Cases in common pleas, Michealmas, 1302, and Micheal mas, 1303, eyre of Cornwall, 1302; pleas of the Crown in the Cornish eyre, 1303, writs and enrollments.
  4. Yrs. 32-33, Hilary, 1304-Easter 1305.
  5. Yrs. 33-35. Michealmas, 1305-Trinity, 1307.

31b. Year Books of the Reign of King Edward III. ed. with translation, by A. J. Horwood and L. O. Pike. 15 vols. London (1883-1911).

  1. Hilary, yr. 11 (1337)-Trinity, yr. 12 (1338).
  2. Michealmas, yr. 12 (1338)-Trinity, yr. 13 (1339).
  3. Michealmas, yr. 13 (1339) and Hilary, yr. 14 (1339-40).
  4. Easter and Trinity, yr. 14 (1340).
  5. Michealmas, yr 14 (1340) and Hilary, yr. 15 (1340-41).
  6. Easter, Trinity, and Michealmas, yr. 15 (1341).
  7. Hilary, yr. 16 (1341-42) and Easter, yr. 16 (1342).
  8. Trinity and Michealmas, yr. 16 (1342).
  9. Hilary, yr. 17 (1342-43), Easter and Trinity, yr. 17, 1343).
  10. Michealmas, yr. 17 (1343) and Hilary, yr. 18 (1343-4).
  11. Easter and Trinity, yr. 18 (1344).
  12. Michealmas, yr. 18 (1344) and Hilary, yr. 19 (1344-5).
  13. Easter, Trinity, and Michealmas, yr. 19 (1345).
  14. Hilary, yr. 20 (1345-6), Easter and Trinity, yr. 20 (1346).
  15. Trinity, cont., and Michealmas, yr. 20 (1346).

These two series, edited by Horwood and Pike, contain several Year Books never included in previous editions. They most certainly rank among the best edited.

32. Stevenson, J. (ed.). Narratives of the Expulsion of the English from Normandy, 1449-50. London, 1863.

  1. De reductione Normandiae, by Robert Blondel.

    A trustworthy account of the expulsion of the English from Normandy. The author, a native of Normandy, was an ardent adherent of Charles VII.

  2. Le Recouvrement de Normendie, par Berry, Herault du Roy

    Berry's real name was Gillis le Bouvier. He was king-at-arms of Charles VII.

  3. Negotiations between England and France.

33. Gloucester, Cathedral. Historia it cartularium monasterii S. Petri Gloucestriae. Ed. by W. H. Hart. 3 vols. London, 1863-1867.

The short chronicle which precedes the chartulary gives an account of the monastery from its foundation, A. D. 681, to the time of Abbot Froucester (d. 1412). Vols. I-II contain numerous charters of the 12th and 13th centuries. There are some valuable manorial ex tents, 1265-67, and rules of unknown date concerning the management of manors. Vol. III also contains various judicial records.

34. Neckam, Alexander. Alexandri Neckam de Naturis Rerum, Libri duo with Neckam's poem De Laudibus Divinae Sapientiae. Ed. by T. Wright, London, 1863.

Neckam, foster brother of Richard I, was born at St. Albans in 1157 and died at Kempsey in 1217. In his de naturis rerum and de utensilibus he has preserved the earliest European notices of the magnet as a guide to seamen. The book is a sort of manual of the scientific knowledge of the 12th century.

35. Cockayne, T. O. (ed.). Leechdoms, Wortcunning, and Starcraft of Early England; being a Collection of Documents Illustrating the History of Science in this Country before the Norman Conquest. 3 vols. London, 1864-1866.

  1. Herbarium of Apuleius, with its continuation from other writers, the Medicina de quadrupedibus of Sextus Placitus, and various leech doms and charms.
  2. Leech book, bks. 1-3.
  3. Recipes, prognostics, starcraft, and charms, with glossaries; and Anglo-Saxon fragments relating to St. Mildred's abbey in Minster in Thanet and King Eadger's establishment of monasteries.

36. Luard, H. R. (ed.). Annales Monastici. 5 vols. London, 1864-1869.

  1. De Margam, Theokesberia (Tewkesbury), et. Burton. 1864.
    1. Annals of Margan: Written in the 13th century.

        Contains many notices of public events relating to England and Wales.

    2. Annals of Tewkesbury: Written in the 13th century.

        Entries concerning general history are intermingled with notices of monastic affairs. There is a valuable account of the wars between Henry III and the barons.

    3. Annals of Burton: Written in the 13th century.

        The entries to 1188 are brief, and those from 1189 to 1201 are taken mainly from Hovedon. The part from 1211 to 1263 (chiefly a collection of documents connected by short notices of events concerning Burton and the king dom) is particularly valuable.

  2. De Wintonia (Winchester) et Waverleia (Waverly). London, 1864.
    1. Annals of Winchester

        The portion A. D. 519-1066 is derived from an unpublished chronicle, probably written by Richard of Devizes, preserved at Corpus Christi college, Cambridge, the earlier part of which is taken from Geoffrey of Monmouth. From 1066 to 1266 the Winchester annalist obtains much of his material from William of Malmesbury and Matthew Paris. The full account of the events follow ing the Battle of Evesham, 1267-77, from the pen of a contemporary writer, is very valuable. The work also contains much information concerning the Bishops of Winchester.

    2. Annals of Waverly

        The portion to 1157 is derived mainly from Sigebert of Gemblours, the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, and Robert of Torig ni. After 1157, the annals are original, and from 1219 to 1266 they were written contemporaneously with the events described. The waver ly chronicle forms one of the chief authorities for the reign of Henry III, especially for the events preceding and following the battle of Evesham.

  3. De Dunstaplia (Dunstable) et Bermundeseia (Bermondsey). London 1866.

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    1. Annals of Dunstable

        The part to 1241 was compiled by Morins, who was prior of Dunstable 1202-42. He began his work in 1210 and carried it on from year to year until his death. Probably the entries from 1241 onward were also written at Dunstable contemporaneously with the events narrated. Much attention is devoted to the affairs of the abbey and to the general history of England. "Many historical facts", says Luard, "are known solely from this chronicle...it (is) probably the most accurate record extant of the ordinary secular proceedings of a monastery in the thirteenth century."

    2. Annals of Bermondsey

        This work, compiled about 1433, deals mainly with the affairs of the priory of Bermondsey, and is of value for the reigns of Henry IV and Henry V. The chief source of the earlier portion is the Flores Historiarum.

  4. De Oseneia (Osney), Chronicon Thomae Wykes, et de Wigornia (Worcester). London, 1869.
    1. Annals of Osney

        These annals to 1258, have much in common with those of Thomas Wykes; from that year onward the former favor the barons, while Wykes is a strong royalist. Luard believes that Wykes used the early portion of the Osney annals, that this portion was compiled at Osney about 1233.

    2. Annals of Thomas Wykes

        Written in the abbey of Osney. To 1258 it closely resembles the Annals of Osney, the earlier portion of which Wykes probably used; their relations to each other are fully considered by Luard. Wykes also used Florence of Worcester, Diceto, Newburgh, and Matthew Paris; but from 1256 to 1262 onward he is an original authority.

    3. Annals of Worcester

        Down to 1303 these annals were written by a monk of Worcester early in the 14th century, and the work originally ended with the year 1308. The continuation to 1377 comprises only a few meager entries. The Annals of Worcester contain notices of public events, and are also rich in material illustrating the history of the priory and diocese of Worcester. Luard believes that they "will always rank very high as an authority for the latter years of the thirteenth century."

  5. Index and Glossary. London, 1869.

ALIGN=TOP 37. Adam of Evesham. Magna Vita S. Hugonis, Episcopi Loncolniensis, from MSS. in the Bodleian Library, Oxford, and the Imperial Library, Paris. Ed. by J. F. Dimcock. London 1864.

Written by Adam, abbot of Evesham, Hugh's chaplain; completed before 1220. Contains many notices of public affairs.

38. Stubbs, W. (ed.). Chronicle and Memorials of the reign of Richard I. 2 vols. London, 1864-1865.

  1. Itinerarium peregrinorum et gesta regis Ricardi (1187-99), auctore ut videtur canonico T. Trinitatis Londoniensis. 1864.

      This is a history of the third crusade which used to be ascribed to Geoffrey of Vinsauf. Gaston Paris held that it is in large part a Latin translation of Ambrose's French poem, but it has recently been maintained that the relationship between the two works is more com plicated. The Itinerarium was probably written by Richard, canon and prior of Holy Trinity, London. The work contains a detailed account of Richard I's expedition to the Holy Land (especially of the years 1190-92) with some remarks on his character and government.

  2. Epistolae Cantuarienses, 1187-1199. London, 1865.

      The letters of the prior and convent of Christ Church, Canterbury, A. D. 1187-99. They relate to the dispute which arose from the attempts of archbishops Baldwin and Hubert to found a college of secular canons at Canterbury.

39. Warvin, Jehan de. Recueil des Croniques et Anchiennes Istories dela Grant Bretagne, a present nomme Engleterre, par Jehan de Warvin, Seigneur du Forestel. Ed. by W. Hardy (vols. 1-3) and W. Hardy and E. L. C. P. Hardy (vols. 4-5). 5 vols. London, 1864-91.

  1. Albina-688. London, 1864.
  2. 1399-1422. London, 1868.
  3. 1422-1431. London, 1880.
  4. 1431-1447. London, 1884.
  5. 1447-1471. London, 1891.

A general collection of the then existing materials of English history. The part to 1413 was completed about 1455; the rest was written in the time of Edward IV. the author made use of the Chroni cle of Brute, and of Froissart and Monstrelet; but from 1444 to 1471 the work is in large part original and contemporary. Warvin belonged to a noble family of Artois. He fought at the battle of Agincourt on the French side, but later he served against the French under the banner of the duke of Burgundy, 1419-35.-for English translation, see next item.

40. Warvin, Jehan de. A collection of the chronicles and ancient histories of Great Britain, now called England. Ed. and translated by W. Hardy and E. L. C. P. Hardy. 3 vols. London, 1864-1891.

English translation of Recueil des Croniques , vols., 1-3 (Albina, 1431).

41. Higden, Ranulf. Polychronicon Ranulphi Higden, Monachi Cestrensis; together with the English Translation of John of Trevisa and of an unknown writer in the 15th century. Ed. by C. Babington (vols. 1-2) and J. R. Lumby (vols. 3-9) vol. 9 London, 1865-1866.

This chronicle of many ages was the standard work on general history during the 14th and 15th centuries. It is in large part a compilation: Higden names about forty writers who are his authorities. Bk. one is geographical; it describes the various countries of the earth. The other six books comprise a universal history. The real interest of the Polychronicon lies in the view it affords of the historical, geographical, and scientific knowledge of the age in which it appeared.

The Rolls Series edition contains a Latin continuation of the Polychronicon to 1394, attributed to John Malverne, a monk of Worcester (d. circa 1415). It is, however, shown in J. A. Robinson's paper on An Unrecognized Westminster Chronicler, 1381-1394, that Malverne wrote only to 1381, and that the rest of the chronicle was the work of a monk of Westminster. this latter continuation is one of the best authorities for the period it covers, as Malverne's is for the reigns of Edward III and Richard II. Higden was a monk of St. Werburgh's abbey Chester.

42. Peter of Ickham. Le livre de Reis de Brittaine e le livere de Reis de Engleterre (from Brutus to 1274, with two continuations to 1326 and a translation). Ed. by John Glover, London, 1865.

An abridged French translation of extracts from Geoffrey of Monmouth, Florence of Worcester, Ralph de Diceto, and other well known chroniclers; perhaps compiled by Peter of Ickham (fl. circa 1290). It consists of two parts, which the editor calls Le Livere de Reis de Brittanie and Le Livere de Reis de Engleterre.

43. Thomas de Burton. Chronica monasterii de Melsa, a fundatione usque ad annum 1396, auctore Thoma de Burton, abbate. Accedit con tinuation ad annum 1406 a monacho quodam ipsius domus. Ed. by E. A. Bond. 3 vols. London, 1866-1868.

A faithful and often minute record of the establishment of a religious community, its progress...and its relations to the governing institutions of the country's compiled after 1399. In his account of each abbot's rule, Burton treats of the affairs of the abbey of Melsa or Meaux, and then reviews the leading events of English history. Much of this general history is taken from Higden's Polychronicon. With the reign of Edward I, the narrative of public affairs expands, and the portions concerning the relations of England to Scotland are of value. Burton was abbot of Meaux, 1396-99.

44. Paris, Matthew. Mattaei Parisiensis, monachi Sancti Albani, Historia Anglorum, sive, ut vulgo dicitur, Historia minor. Item, ejusdem Abbreviato chronicorum Angliae. Ed. by F. Madden. 3 vols. London, 1866-1869.

The Historia Minor, begun in 1250, is an abridgment of the Chron ica Majora, but it contains some additional information. See also the Chronica Majora.

45. Liber Monasterii de Hyda. Comprising a chronicle of the affairs of England, from the settlement of the Saxons to the reign of King Cnut; and a chartulary of the abbey of Hyde, in Hampshire. Ed. by E. Edwards. London, 1866.

Probably compiled late in the 14th century. Chapters I-II give a brief summary of the history of the heptarchic kingdoms and their union into one state. This is followed by a chronicle of each reign from Ethelwulf to Roger of Wendover,

HREF="#polychron">Higden, and other chronicles, some of which are not now extant. The book of Hyde affords some information not obtainable elsewhere, especially regarding the reign of Alfred. It is a chartulary as well as a chronicle; each reign from Alfred to Ethelred Unraed has an appendix of charters relating directly or indirectly to the monastery of Hyde, some of which are not found elsewhere.

46. Chronicon Scotorum. A chronicle of Irish Affairs from the earliest times to 1135; and supplement containing the events from 1141-1150. Ed. by W. M. Hennessy. London 1866.

This chronicle, which was compiled in the monastery of Clonmac noise, gives many interesting notices not found in other Irish annals. The earlier portion contains much legendary matter. The latter part devotes much attention to the invasions of foreigners and the wars of the Irish among themselves.

47. Peter of Langtoff. Chronicle of Pierre de Langtoft, in French verse from the earliest period to the death of Edward I. Ed. by T. Wright. 2 vols. London, 1866-1868.

A large part of this chronicle was translated into English by Robert Mannyng. To the end of Henry III's reign it is taken from Geoffrey of Monmouth, Huntingdon, Malmesbury, and other well-known writers. For the years 1272-1307 it is a contemporary record, much of which is devoted to Edward I's Scottish wars.

48. War of the Gaedhil with the Gall, or the invasions of Ireland by the Danes and other Norsemen. Irish text, with translations, ed. by J. H. Todd. London 1867. Extends from about 795 to 1014; compiled from contemporary sources, probably at the end of the 11th century, by some one who witnessed the exploits of Brian Boru (d. 1014). It is conjectured that the author may have been Mac Lieg, who died in 1016. The first part gives an account of the arrival of the Norsemen in Ireland; the second part is devoted to the history of the Munster chieftains, especially to the deeds of Brian Boru. The story is told after the manner of Scandinavian sagas. 49. Gesta Regis Henrici Secundi Benediciti Abbatis. The chronicle of the Reigns of Henry II and Richard I, 1169-1192, known commonly under the name of Benedict of Peterborough. Ed. by W. Stubbs. 2 vols. London, 1867.

The most valuable chronicle of the reign of Henry II. begun about 1172; from that year onward most of the events were recorded contemporaneously. Many documents are embedded in the narrative. Benedict, abbot of Peterborough, was not the author; the work was ascribed to him because one of the extant manuscripts was tran scribed by his order. Stubbs believes that it was not written at Peterborough or at St. Albans, and surmises that it may be a transcript of Richard Fits-Neals' lost Tricolumnis altered from its tripartite shape.

50. Oxford University. Munimenta Academica or documents illustrative of academical life and studies at Oxford. Ed. by H. Ansley. 2 vols. London, 1868.

Contains chancellor's and proctor's books (statutes, etc., A. D. 1214-1504); acts of the chancellor's court, 1434-67; register of the convocation of the university, 1449-63.

51. Hovedon, Roger of. Chronica Magistri Rogeri de Houedene. Ed. by W. Stubbs. 4 vols. London, 1868-1871.

Probably written after 1192. The first part, A. D. 732-1148, is copied from the Historia post Bedam, a compilation (still extant in manuscript) made at Durham and Henry of Huntingdon. The second part, 1148-69, is a compilation taken from the Chronicle of Melrose, the lives and letters of Becket, etc. The third portion, 1169-92, is the chronicle ascribed to Benedict of Peterborough, re-edited, with the addition of some important documents. The fourth part, 1192-1201, is Hovedon's original work, a valuable contemporary history, enriched with an abundance of documents. Hovedon, probably a native of Howden, Yorkshire, was in attendance on Henry II in France in 1174, and he was a justice itinerant of the forests in 1189. He had access to the public records, and held intercourse with the leading men of the time.

52. William of Malmesbury. Willelmesbiriensis Monachi De gestis ponti ficum Anglorum libri quinque. Ed. by N. E. S. A. Hamilton. London, 1870.

Malmesbury was the first writer after Bede who attempted to give his details of dates and events a systematic connection. Completed in A. D. 1125, the Gesta pontificum gives accounts of the several English sees and their bishops from the beginning to about 1120; the later recensions continue the work, in part, to 1140. This work, like the

HREF="#regum">Gesta regum, is of the greatest value to the ecclesiastical historian.

53. Gilbert, Sir John Thomas (ed.). Historic and Municipal Documents, Ireland, A. D. 1172-1320. From the Archives of the City of Dublin, etc. London, 1870.

Contains important documents concerning Dublin (town charters and ordinance, rolls of the guild merchant, etc.); charters granted to Drogheda; documents concerning the archbishops of Dublin, etc. Valu able for municipal, commercial, and ecclesiastical history.

54. Annals of Loch Ce. A chronicle of Irish Affairs from A. D. 1014-1590. Ed. with a translation by W. M. Hennessy. 2 vols. London, 1871.

To 1220 the contents of the work and the Annals of Ulster are similar. In chronology as well as the general character, the Annals of Loch Ce resemble the Annals of Tigernach, the Annals of Ulster, and the Chronicon Scotorum; but they are much more copious in details of the affairs of Connacht than any of our other annals.

55. Black Book of the Admiralty. Monumenta juridica. The Black Book of the Admiralty, with a translation and an appendix. Ed. by T. Twiss. 4 vols. London, 1871-76. Vol. I contains the Black Book; documents connected with the admiralty of Sir

Thomas Beaufort, 9 Hen. VI; ordinances of war made in 1385 and 1419. Vols. II-IV contain the Domesday of Ipswich, the Cou tumes d'Oleron, the Spanish Customs of the Sea, the maritime laws of Gotland, Wisby, Flanders, etc.

The Black Book of the Admiralty is a collection of laws, in French and Latin, relating to the navy, the original MS. of which is preserved in the admiralty archives at Whitehall.

56. Beckington, Thomas. Memorials of the reign of King Henry VI. Official correspondence of Thomas Bekynton, secretary to Henry VI. ed. by G Williams. 2 vols. London, 1872.

Contains many letters of Henry VI to continental potentates, and other documents throwing light upon the foreign relations of England during the first half of the 15th century.

57. Paris, Matthew. Matthaei Parisiensis, monachi Sancti Albani. Chronica majora. Ed. by H. R. Luard, 7 vols. London, 1872-1884.

  1. The Creation-1066 (1872)
  2. 1067-1216 (1874)
  3. 1216-1239 (1876)
  4. 1240-1247 (1878)
  5. Vol. V 1248-1259 (1880)
  6. Vol. VI Additamenta (1882)
  7. Vol. VII Index Glossary (1884)

Matthew Paris is commonly regarded as England's greatest Medieval historian. His style is graphic, his views broad, and he exhibits keen interest in national politics. He became a monk at St. Albans in 1217, and succeeded Wendover as chronographer of the abbey in 1236. He came in contact with the prominent men of his time, and was on familiar terms with Henry III.

The nucleus of the Chronica Majora was a compilation made by John de Cella, abbot of St. Albans (1199-1214); it extended to 1188, and was continued by Roger of Wendover to 1235. Paris revised these two works, and carried the story to 1259. Three recensions of the Chronica Majora appeared in 1250. 1253, and 1259 respectively. This work is very valuable for the study of English and continental history. It also contains many details concerning the affairs of the abbey of St. Albans and many papal bulls, royal letters, and other documents.

Much of the author's information was gathered from eye-witnesses of the events narrated. He speaks the truth fearlessly, boldly condemning the abuses of the court and the church, rebuking pope, king, nobles and clergy when he deems them worthy of blame. This chronicle was continued to 1306 by Rishanger.

The additamenta or Liber Additamentorum, printed in vol. 6 or Luard's excellent edition of the Chronica Majorca, forms a kind of appendix to Paris's greater chronicle and to his Vitae Abbatum; it contains charters granted to the abbey, papal letters, royal writs, etc. A. D. 793-1258. 58. Walter of Coventry. Memoriale fratris Walteri de Coventria: the historical collections of Walter Coventry. Ed. by W. Stubbs. 2 vols. London, 1872-1873.

Compiled between 1293 and 1307. The entries from 1201 to 1225, which form a continuation of Hovedon, are of great value for the study of John's reign: Stubbs regards them as the best source of information concerning the eventful years 1212-16. Luard plausibly asserts that Walter of Coventry was probably not the author of this work, the title "Memoriale" meaning simply that he left the book as a memorial to his monastery; but Stubbs believes that "memoriale" means things worth remembering, or historical collections. Concerning Walter of Coventry almost nothing is known.

59. Wright, T. (ed.). Anglo-Latin satirical poets and epigrammatists of the twelfth century. 2 vols. London, 1872.

  1. Nigelli Speculum stultorum
  2. Tractatus Nigelli contra curiales et officiales clericos.

      Both are dedicated to William Longchamp, bishop of Ely, and satirize the follies of the age, especially the corruptions of the church. The author, Nigel Wireker, was precentor of Canter bury. His principal work is the Speculum Stultorum.

  3. Johannis de Altavilla Architrenius

      Written about 1184, the "Archweeper" laments over the vices of mankind; the author, John de Hautville, is Alexandri Neckam

60. Campbell, W. (ed.). Materials for a History of the Reign of Henry VII from Original Documents preserved in the Public Record Office. 2 vols. London, 1873-1877.

See Historia regis Henrici Septimi

61. Raine (ed.). Historical Papers and Letters from the Northern Register. London, 1873.

Contains many letters of the archbishops of York and of the bishops of Durham and Carlisle, A. D. 1265-1415.

62. Durham. Registrum Palatinum Dunelmense the Register of Richard de Kellawe, Lord Palatine and Bishop of Durham, 1311-1316. Ed. by T. D. Hardy. 4 vols. London, 1873-78.

Vol. III contains various documents, 1279-1374, including part of Bishop Bury's register, 1338-45, and part of William Legat's. Vol. IV contains additions from plea rolls, letters patent and close, and other public records, with excerpts (mainly 1312-45) from the letter book of Bishop Bury. These four volumes are of great value for the history of the palatinate of Durham, along with the Historical Papers & Letters.

63. Stubbs, W. (ed.). Memorials of St. Dunstan, Archbishop of Canter bury. London, 1874.

Lives by the priest B. Adelard, Osbern, Eadmer, William of Malmesbury and Capgrave, and a collection of letters and other documents connected with Dunstan, his age and his biographers.

64. Chronicon Angliae, ab anno Domini 1328 usque ad annum 1388, Actore Monacho quidam Sancti Albani. Ed. by E. M. Thompson. London, 1874.

The account of the years 1376-77 is very detailed and valuable, and was probably written by a contemporary monk of St. Albans. Certain other portions of the chronicle may have been written by Walsingham. The author bitterly assails the duke of Lancaster and the Lollards.

65. Thomas a Becket. Thomas Saga Erkibyskups. A life of Archbishop Thomas Becket, in Icelandic, with English translation, Notes and Glossary. Ed. by Eirikr Magnusson. 2 vols. London, 1875-1883.

There was a Thomas saga in Iceland in the 13th century, but the saga as it has come down to us was probably written by Arngrim, abbot of Thingeyrar, who died in 1362. It was compiled mainly from Benedict's work and from a contemporary life of Becket by Robert of Cricklade. Magnusson, in vol. 2, has carefully investigated the chronological order of the contemporary lives of Becket. Also see Materials for the History of Thomas Becket

66. Ralph of Coggeshall. Radulphi do Coggeshall Chronicon anglicanum, De expugnatione Terrae Sanctae libellus; Thomas Agnellus De morte et sepultura Henrici regis Angliae junioris; Gesta Fulconis filii Warini; Excerpta ex Otiis imperialibus Gervasii Tilebutiensis. Ed. by J Stevenson. London, 1875.

  1. Ralph of Coggeshall

      The entries to 1186 are brief; from 1187 to 1223 they are fuller, and many of them are very valuable, especially for the reigns of John and Henry III. Ralph was abbot of the Cister cian abbey of Coggeshall, 1207-18.

  2. Thomas Agnellus

      Stevenson calls it "A contemporary account of an event which deeply moved the feelings of England and France at the time when it occurred, and exercised no trifling influence upon the history of these two kingdoms."

  3. Gervase of Tilbury

      Written about 1212 for the recreation of the emperor Otto IV, who made him marshal of the kingdom of Arles.

67. Robertson, James C. (ed.). Materials for the History of Thomas Becket. Ed. by J. C. Robertson and J. B. Sheppard. 7 vols. London, 1875-1885.

  1. Vita S. Thomae auctore Willelm monacho Cantuariensi.
  2. Lives of Becket, by Benedict of Peterborough, John of Salisbury, Alan or Tewkesbury, and Edward Grim.
  3. Lives of Becket, by William Frizstephen and Herbert of Bosham.
  4. Two contemporary anonymous lives of Becket, and the Quadrilogus.

      One of the anonymous lives was formerly ascribed to Roger of Pontigny. The Quadrilogus is a composite life drawn from earlier biographers. It exists in two forms: one was written in 1198-99 by a monk of Evesham; the other is of later date. V-VII. Letters written to or by Becket or relating to him. Among these are letters from Henry II, Alexander III, John of Salisbury, Gilbert Foliot, Arnulf of Lisieux, Herbert of Bosham, and Peter of Blois.

    This collection of lives and letters has superseded the older one by J. A. Giles in his Patres Ecclesiae. Also see Thomas Saga Erkibyskups.

    68. Diceto, Ralph de. Radulphi de Diceto decani Lundoniensis Opera Historica. The Historical work of Master Ralph de Diceto, Dean of London. Ed. by W. Stubbs. 2 vols. London, 1876.

    1. Abbreviations chronicorum, from the creation to 1147.

        This work is made up of extracts from preexisting chroniclers.

    2. Imagines historiarum, 1148-1202.

        These "Outlines of History" down to about 1172, are based on Robert of Rorigni; after 1172 the work is original, and from 1188 onward it is a valuable contemporary record, which contains some additional entries to 1240.

    Ralph de Diceto was elected dean of St. Paul's, London in 1180, and held that office to the time of his death. His birthplace is sometimes identified with the parish of Diss in Norfolk.

    69. Ireland, King's Council. Roll of the Proceedings of the King's Council in Ireland for a Portion of the 16th year of the Reign of Richard II, 1392-1393. Ed. (with a translation) by J. Graves. London 1877.

    The MS., the text of which is mainly in French, is preserved among the muniments of marquis of Ormonde. The greater part of the record is made up of petitions presented to the council, with the answers thereto. On. pp. 55-74 is a translation of the ordinances of the council of Ireland 1445. The appendix contains various documents, including a calendar of Irish close rolls, 16 Richard II.

    70. Bracton, Henry de. Henrici de Bracton De legibus et consuetudini bus Angliae Libri quinque in varios tractatus distincti. Ed. by T. Twiss. 6 vols. London, 1878-1883.

    The correct form of his name seems to have been Bratton. In the plea rolls from about 1245-1267, he is often called an itinerant justice, and in 1264 he was appointed dean of the cathedral church of Exeter. His work, which was compiled probably between 1250-1258 is the first comprehensive exposition of English law and by far the most important lawbook of medieval England. He borrowed some maxims and rules from the Roman law, chiefly from the Summa of Azo of Bologna. His law is English case law systematized by the aid of methods and principles which had been learnt from the civilians. There has been considerable dispute as to the extent of the influence of the Roman law upon Bracton, but the substance of his work is doubtless based upon English precedents.

    71. Raine, J. (ed.). The Historians of the Church of York and its Archbishops. 3 vols. London, 1879-1894.

    Vol. I contains Alcuin's Carmen; several lives of bishops Oswald and Wilfrid; lives of Bishop John of Beverley, who died in 721; Chronica Pontificum Ecclesiae Eboracensis, A. D. 601-1140, written in the first half of the 12th century. The most important biography in vol. 2 is the history of four archbishops of York, Thomas I, Gerard, Thomas II, and Thurstan, A. D. 1070-1127 (with additions to 1153), by Hugh the Chantor, or Hugh Scottovagina, precentor of York, a valuable account of the controversy between the archbishops of Canterbury and York, told by an eye-witness. Vol. 2 also contains a letter of Archbishop Ralph to the pope, 1119, concerning the same controversy; anonymous lives of archbishops Thurstan and William Fitzerbert; several papers relating to Archbishop Scrope and his execution in 1405; Chronica Pontificum Ecclesiae Eboracensis, A. D. 601-1519, the part from 1147 to 1373 by Thomas Stubbs, a writer of the 14th century; etc. Vol. 3 is a collection of letters, wills, and other documents, from 930 to 1522; they are connected with the history of the northern bishoprics, and are taken from the registers of the archbishops of York, only three of them are before A. D. 1066.

    72. Malmesbury, Abbey. Reigistrum Malmesburiense. The Registor of Malmesbury Abbey. Ed. by J. S. Brewer and C. T. Martin. 2 vols. London, 1869-1880. Begins with public documents: Magna Carta, the forest charter, and statutes of the 13th century. Then follows a detailed account of the property of the abbey of Malmesbury and the neighborhood: dues of the inhabitants of Malmesbury and a rent roll of the manors out side the town. Then comes charters, A. D. 685 to the end of the 13th century. 73. Gervase of Canterbury, Historical works, the Chronicle of the Reigns of Stephen, Henry II, and Richard I, by Gervase, the Monk of Canterbury. Ed. by W. Stubbs. 2 vols. London, 1879-1880.

    1. Chronica, 1135-99, Preceded by a brief account of the years 1100-1135.

        The author used Henry of Huntingdon, Benedict of Peterbor ough, the biographies of Becket, etc. The work is of some value for the reigns of Stephen, Henry II, and Richard I. The portion 1170-99 deals mainly with ecclesiastical affairs. The earlier part contains the Imaginationes, or statements of the case of each side in the disputes between the archbishop and the monks of St. Augustine, Canterbury, 1178-91.

    2. Gesta Regum, from Brutus to 1210, with a continuation to 1328.

        Valuable for the reign of John. The part of 1135 is drawn mainly from Geoffrey of Monmouth and William of Malmesbury, and this is followed by an abstract of Gervase's Chronica, 1135-99.

    3. Actus Pontificum Cantuariensis Ecclesiae, A. D. 597-1205.
    4. Mappa Mundi

        a survey of the counties of England (lists of bishoprics, religious houses, castles, etc.).

    In his writings Gervase exhibits much dislike of the Plantagenet kings. He became a monk of Christ church, Canterbury, in 1163, and he was sacristan of the convent in 1193.

    74. Henry of Huntingdon. Henrici Huntendunensis Historia Anglorum, the History of the English, by Henry, Archdeacon of Huntingdon, from B. C. 55 to A. D. 1154. In eight books. Ed. by T. Arnold. London, 1879.

    Five recension appeared between 1130 and 1154. The author's main sources of information to about 1126 are Bede and the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, . After that date he derives many of his statements from oral report. Henry became archdeacon of Huntingdon about 1110.

    75. Simeon of Durham. Symeonis Monachi Opera Omnia. ed. by T. Arnold. 2 vols. London, 1882-1885.

    1. Historia Dunelmensis ecclesiae, A. D. 635-1096.

        Written between 1104-1108. Deals with mainly the history of the church of Durham, but also supplies valuable information concerning the secular affairs of Northern England, especially in the 9th century. The early portion of the work is derived chiefly from Bede's Ecclesiastical History and his life of Cuthbert.

    2. Historia regum, A. D. 616-1129.

        This chronicle is in part derived from a Durham compilation which extended from A. D. 731 to 951 and was based on the lost Northumbrian annals and on Asser. The passages taken from the lost annals are valuable for northern affairs. Simeon also used Florence of Worcester, especially from A. D. 887 onward. For the years 1119-29 the work is an independent authority. It was continued by John of Hexham to 1154.

    Simeon was a monk and precentor of the church of Durham. He probably died soon after 1129.

    76. Stubbs, W. (ed.). Chronicles of the Reigns of Edward I and Edward II. Edited from Manuscripts. 2 vols. London, 1882-3.

    1. Annales Londonienses

        In large part an abridgement of the Flores Historiarum to 1301. The account of the general history of England, 1301-to 1316, is valuable. The narrative from 1316-30 relates mainly to the civil history of London. The work was written by a citizen of London who had easy access to the records of the corporation, per haps by Andrew Horne, chamberlain of the city.

    2. Annales Pauline

        An abridgement of the Flores Historarum to 1307 with a valuable continuation to 1341; compiled by some one connected with St. Paul's. The work contains notices of public events and de tails concerning the history of London.

    3. Commendatio Lamentabilis, etc.

        A funeral sermon on the death of Edward I, probably written by John of London soon after July 7, 1307.

    4. Gesta Edwardi de Carnavan

        A brief chronicle of the reign of Edward II, written by a canon of the priory of Bridlington.

    5. Vita Edwardi II

        valuable for the reign of Edward II. Probably most of it was written toward the close of Edward II's reign. The part 1326-48, added later, was taken from Higden's

        HREF="#polychron">Polychronicon.

    6. Vita et Mors Edwardi Regis Angliae.

        An extract from Geoffrey le Baker's Chronicle, erroneously ascribed to More, represented Oxford shire in Parliament in 1340 and was Baker's patron.(?)

    77. Peckham, John. Registrum epistolarum fratis Johannis Peckham, archiepiscopi Cantuariensis. ed. by C. T. Martin. 3 vols. London, 1882-1886.

    Peckham joined the Franciscan order in 1250 and shortly thereaf ter went to Paris where he took his degree under St. Bonaventure. For many years he taught at Paris University, coming into contact with St. Thomas Aquinas. He was appointed archbishop of Canterbury in 1279. The Registrum is the chief authority on Peckham as arch bishop of Canterbury.

    78. Salisbury (Diocese). Vetus registrum Sarisberiense, alias dictum Registrum S. Osmundi episcopi. Register of St. Osmund. Ed. by W. Rich-Jones. 2 vols. London, 1883-1884.

    Vol. I includes the consuentrdinary (sp. ?), or Tractatus de officiis ecclesiasticis, with English translation. Vol. 2 includes charters, letter, bulls, etc., 1091-circa 1276. Also the Visiatio eccle siarum, 1220-24. Also see

    HREF="#salisbury">Charters and Documents. . . of . . . Salisbury.

    79. Ramsey Abbey. Cartularium Monasterii de Rameseia. Ed. by W. H. Hart and P. A. Lyons. 3 vols. London, 1884-1893.

    Contains charters, inquisitions, manorial extents, surveys of Knights' fees, final concords, pleas in royal courts, etc., A. D. 974- 1436. The material relating to manorial history is particularly valu able. Also see the Chronicon Abatiae Ramensiensis.

    80. Dublin, St. Mary's Abbey. Chartularies of St. Mary's Abbey. Dublin and the Register of its House at Dunbrody; and Annals of Ireland. Ed. by J. T. Gilbert. 2 vols. London, 1884-1886.

    Contains two chartularies of St. Mary's abbey, mainly charters, circa 1171-1463.-Register of St. Mary's abbey, Dublin, written by Thomas Case in 1427. It devotes much attention to the history of England and Ireland. The information is drawn from Henry of Huntingdon, Giraldus Cambrensis, and other chroniclers.-Annals of Ireland (fragment). 1308-10, 1316-17.-Annals of Ireland. This work has been ascribed to Christopher Pennbridge of Dublin, but the author and time of compila tion are unknown. Gilbert calls it "the chief authority on the affairs of the English settlement in Ireland to the year 1370.

    81. Eadmer. Eadmeri Historia Novorum in Anglia, et. opuscula duo de Vita sancti An selmi it quibusdam miraculis ejus. Ed. from manuscripts in the library of Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, by M. Rule. London, 1884.

    The first recension appeared in 1112, and the work was completed in 1124. The early portion relates mainly to Lanfranc's career; the bulk of the history comprises a minute contemporary account of the relations of Anselm to William II and Henry I, 1092-1109. It is the best authority on the investiture controversy. The last two books deal with the history of the see of Canterbury, 1110-22. Liebermann believes that as regards unity of plan and of treatment this work has no equal among the great historians of England in the 12th Century. Eadmer was a monk of Christ church, Canterbury, and the confidential adviser of Anselm.

    82.Howlett, R. (ed.). Chronicles of the reigns of Stephen, Hnry II and Richard I. 4 vols. London, 1884-1890.

    1. Newburgh, William of. Historia Rerum Anglicarum, books I-IV 1184. Probably begun 1196.

        Much of the matter is taken from Simeon of Durham, Huntingdon, Fantosme, and other chroniclers, but it is entirely recast so as to form a valuable commentary on the history of the 12th century. The author displays remarkable judgment and good sense in dealing with men and events. "Many passages," says Howlett, "yield in force and elegance to the work of no writer of that age." Freeman calls him the father of historical criticism. William Goldly assailed the fable of Geoffrey of Monmouth, which other medieval chroniclers accepted as historical facts. He was a canon of the Austin priory of St. Mary at Newburg in Yorkshire.

    2. Newburg, William of. Historia Rerum Anglicarum, book V Annales Furnesienses (1199-1298), a continuation of William of Newburgh's History of 1298. Rouen Etienne de. Draco Normanicus. 1885.
      1. Annales Furnesienses

          A continuation of William of Newburgh's history, written in Furness abbey late in the 13th century. From 1202 to 1271 it is derived mainly from the Annales Stanleineses.

      2. Etienne de Rouen: Draco Normanicus

          Deals with Henry II and his parents, King Stephen, William the conqueror, Hugh Capet, Charlemagne, the death of the Empress Maud, and other topics, to 1169. Large portions of them are derived from Dudo of St. Quentin and William of Jumeges; but it furnishes some new facts for the history of the years 1153-69. Draco, in the title of the poem, means standard.

    3. Gesta Stephani regis Anglorum. -Hexham, Richard of. Historia de gestis regis Stephani it de bello de standard (1135-39). -Rievaulx Aelred of. Relatio de Standardo. -Fantosme, Jordan. Chronique de la guerre entre les Anglois et les Ecossais 1173-74 (with a translation). Devizes, Richard of. De rebus gestis Ricardi Primi (1189-92). 1886. Gesta Stephani: the author was an eye witness of many of the events which he narrates, and his book is our chief authority for the history of England during the years 1142-47. Though he was a partisan of Stephen, he is fair and accurate. Normandy seems to have been his native land, and he was probably chaplain to Henry of Blois, bishop of Winchester. -Richard of Hexham, Historia: A valuable contemporary narrative, written before 1154, which is occupied mainly with the invasions of the Scots under King David. It gives much information not found elsewhere. Richard was elected prior of Hexham in 1141, and seems to have died between 1160-1178. -Aelred of Rievaulx: An account of the battle of the Standard, 1138; Aelred spent his youth at the court of David, king of Scotland, and was abbot of the Rievaulx in Yorkshire. Fantsome, Chronique: This valuable Anglo-French poem was completed before 1183. Fentsome assert that he saw many of the events which he narrates. He was chancellor of the diocese of Winchester. Devizes, Richard I; probably completed in 1193. It supplies details no where else to be found regarding the condition of affairs in England during the first years of Richard's reign. The author, a monk of St. Swithun's Winchester, was still alive in 1202.
    4. Torigni, Robert of. Chronicle, 1890.

        Written from time to time, A. D. 1150-86; the first recension seems to have been completed in 1157. The chronicle is valuable for the internal affairs of England in 1153-54, and for the foreign policy of Henry II. Robert of Torigni became prior of Bec about 1149, and was elected abbot of Mont-Saint-Michel in 1154. He visited England in 1157 and 1175.

    83. Ramsey Abbey. Chronicon Abbatiae Rameniensis. Ed. by W. D. Marcay. London, 1886.

    Probably compiled in 1170, some of the matter in pt. 4 having been added later. It is commonly cited as the Historia Ramesiensis; the unknown author calls it Liber Benefactorum Ecclesiae Ramesiensis. Pts. 1-3, extending to 1066 comprise the story of the foundation of the abbey, the life of St. Oswald, and charters of lands granted to Ramsey, together with some notices of public events. Pt. 4 is little more than a register of legal documents; it contains many charters conveying lands to the abbey, A. D. 974 to circa 1200. The work affords many illustrations of legal customs. Also see the

    HREF="#rames">Cartularium Monasterii de Rameseia.

    84. . Rogeri de Wendover. Liber qui dictiur Flores Historiarum ab anno Domini MCLIV annoque Henrici Anglorum regis Secundi primo. Ed. by H. G. Hewlett. 3 vols. London, 1886-1889.

    A general chronicle relating to the continent as well as to England. Its nucleus was a compilation, extending to 1188, made by John de Cella, abbot of St. Albans (1195-1214). This was continued by Wendover to 1235 and by Matthew Paris to 1259. Coxe's appendix shows the variations in the texts of Wendover and Paris to 1235. Wend over's work, especially the part 1200-1235, is an original authority of great value. "His signal merit as a contemporary chronicler, which atones for many deficiencies, is his fearless frankness of speech without respect of persons." He was the historiographer of the abbey of St. Albans.

    85. Canterbury, Christ Church Priory. Literae Cantuarienses, the Letter Books of the Monastery of Christ Church, Canterbury. Ed. by J. B. Sheppard. 3 vols. London, 1887-1889.

    volumes include-besides "epistolae"-many ordinances, indentures, and other documents relating to the history of the monas tery, mainly from 1296 to 1536.

    86. Robert of Gloucester. Metrical Chronicle of Robert of Gloucester. Ed. W.A. Wright. 2 vols. London, 1887.

    Beyond the fact that he was probably a monk of Gloucester, who wrote about A.D. 1300, nothing is known concerning the author of this English poem. The earlier portion, to 1135, may have been written by another person. A large part of the chronicle is derived from Geof frey of Monmouth, Henry of Huntingdon, William of

    HREF="#malmesbury">Malmesbury, and the Annals of Waverly.

    87. Mannyng, Robert. The Story of England by Robert of Brunne. Ed. from MSS at Lambeth Palace and the Inner Temple by F.J. Furnivall. 2 vols. London, 1887.

    Written in English verse and completed in 1338. The part edited by Furnivall is mythical history derived from Wace and Geoffrey of Monmouth; the second part, edited by Hearne, is a translation of Langtoft's Chronicle with some useful additions. The author, a native of Brunne (Bourne) in Lincolnshire, is often called Robert of Brunne. He was a member of the Gilbertine order.

    88. Icelandic Sagas and other Historical Documents relating to the Settlements and Descents of the Northmen of the British Isles. Ed. by G. Vigfusson (v. 1-2) and with translation by G.W. Dasent (v. 3-4). 4(?) vols. London, 1887-1894.

    1. Orkneyinga Saga and Magnus Saga, with Appendices (1887).
    2. Hakonar Saga, with fragment of Magnus saga, with Appendices (1887).
    3. The Orkneyingers' Saga, with Appendices, etc. translations (1894).
    4. The Saga of Hacon and a Fragment of the Saga of Magnus, with Appendices, Translation (1894).

    Gives an account of the conquest of the Orkneys and their subsequent history under the Norse jarls, A.D. 872-1222.

    89. Stokes, W. (ed.). Tripartite Life of Patrick, with other Documents relating to that Saint with Translations and Indexes. 2 vols. London, 1888.

    Vol. 1 contains the Irish Tripartite Life, with a valuable intro duction. Vol. 2, Patrick's writings, Muirchu's memoirs, Tiechan's notes, Fiacc's hymn, etc. The Tripartite Life is so called from its division into three parts.

    90. William of Malmesbury. Willelmi Malmesbriensis monachi De gestis regum Anglorum libri quinque; Historiae novellae libri tres. ed. by W. Stubbs. 2 vols. London, 1887-1889.

    Malmesbury was the first writer after Bede who attempted to give to his details of dates and events such a systematic connection, in the way of cause and sequence, as entitles them to the name of History. The Gesta Regum was finished in 1125, but two new recensions appeared circa 1135-40; the early part is derived from Nennius, Bede, the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, Eadmer, and other writers. The Historia Novella was written in 1140-1142. The Gesta is also of some value for the reigns of William I and William II. The author, a monk of Malmesbury, was a partisan of Maud, but he is fair and accurate. See also his gesta pontivicum.

    91. Gaimar, Geoffrey. Lestorie des Engles solum la translacion Mais tre Geffrei Gaimar. ed. by T.D. Hardy and C.T. Martin. 2 vols. London, 1888-1889. Vol. I text, vol. 2 English translation.

    This rhyming French Chronicle was written between 1135 and 1147. For the period before the Norman Conquest its chief sources are Geoffrey of Monmouth and the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. For the portion after 1066 the author is indebted to Florence of Worcester or Simeon of Durham. Gaimar was a Norman by birth. Concerning his life little is known; he seems to have resided in Lincolnshire.

    92. Knighton, Henry. Chronicon Henrici Knighton; vel. Cnithon, monachi leycestrensis, Ed. by J.R. Lumby. 2 vols. London, 1889-1895.

    Down to 1336 it is derived mainly from Higden and Hemingburgh. It contains no entries for the years 1367-76. The continuator, who wrote the part 1377-95, was a partition of the duke of Lancaster, but a bitter opponent of the Wycliffites. He gives some valuable details regarding the Black Death, the rising of 1381, and the social condition of England. Knighton was a canon regular of St. Mary's Leicester.

    93. Murimuth, Adam. Adae Murimuth Continuatio Chronicarum. Robertus de Avesbury De gestis mirabililbus regis Edwardi Tertii. Ed. by E.M. Thompson. London, 1889.

      TYPE="I">

    1. Continuation Chronicarum

        Begun about 1325, three recensions appeared between 1337 and 1347. The author was a canon of St. Paul's, London, and precentor of Exeter. He was employed by Edward II, on missions to the papal court. The continuation, especially the part 1359-77, seems to be the work of a well informed contemporary writer.

    2. De gestis mirabilibus etc

        Deals especially with the military history of Edward III's reign, 1339-56, contains many valuable docu ments. Avesbury was registrar of the court of archbishop of Canterbury. Particulars of his life are not known, save that his will was enrolled in 1359.

    94. Dublin, Abbey of St. Thomas the Martyr. Register of the Abbey of St. Thomas, Dublin. Ed by J.T. Gilbert, London, 1889.

    Comprises documents relating chiefly to the lands, rights, etc. of the abbey in various parts of Ireland, especially in the 13th century.

    95. Mathew of Westminster. Flores Historarum , per Mathaeum Westmo santeriensem collecti. Ed. by H.R. Luard. 3 vols. London, 1890.

    This chronicle was for a long time attributed to Mathew of Westminster, but we now know that he is "an entirely imaginary person," and that the work ascribed to him was written by various persons at various times. The earlier portion was taken mainly from the greater chronicle of Mathew Paris, and the oldest manuscript belonged at one time to Westminster abbey; therefore the two names were combined, and the fictitious Mathew of Westminster was spoken of as the author. The oldest manuscript, extending to 1265 and derived mainly from Mathew Paris, was written at St. Albans; it was then continued at Westminster by various hands to the close 1306, with which year most of the manuscript ends. The continuation to 1325-26 was compiled by Robert of Reading, a monk of Westminster (d. 1325 [?]); and entries for the years 1325-26 were added by another monk of Westminster. The part 1259-1326 is largely a contemporaneous record. The St. Albans writer, in his account of the events of the years 1259-65, favors the barons, but after its removal to Westminster the chronicle becomes royalist in tone. The most valuable notices of the reign of Edward I, are those that relate to the Scottish was. Robert of Reading displays strong feeling against Edward II.

    96. Arnold, T. (ed.) Memorials of St. Edmund's Abbey. 3 vols. London, 1890-96.

    Contains the work of Abbo of Fleury; miracles of St. Edmund, by Herman the Archdeacon; and lives of Edmund by Galfridus de Fontibus, Abbot Samson, and Denis Piramus-- Chronica, by Joceline de Brakelond, 1173-1203; a valuable account of the history of the abbey, written early in the 13th century.---Annales S. Edmundi, 1032-1212.---Three accounts of elections of abbots, 1213-1302.---Expulsion of Franciscans from Bury, 1257-63.---Conflicts between the abbot and the burgesses of Bury, 1327-31.---Chronica Buriensis, 1020-1346.---Fifteenth century letters.---By laws of the weavers of Bury, 1477.

    97. Salisbury (Diocese). Charters and documents illustrating the history of the cathedral, city and diocese of Salisbury, in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. Selected from the capitular and diocesan registers by W. Rich-Jones. Ed. by W.D. Marcay. London, 1891.

    Contains charters, papal bulls, cathedral regulations, constitu tions of Bishop Poore (circa1223), documents episcopal elections, etc. Also see Vetus Registrum Sarisberiense.

    98. Great Britain. Parliament, 1305. Records of the Parliament holden at Westminster 28 Feb., 33 Edw. I (1305). Ed. by F.W. Maitland. London, 1893.

    The best edited of all the printed parliament rolls. Contains besides the roll of 1305, thirteen original petitions and a valuable introduction, which throws light on the history of parliament and the privy council and on the nature of the petitions.

    99. Great Britain, Exchequer. Red Book of the Exchequer. Liber rubeus de sacario. Ed. by Hubert Hall. 3 vols. London, 1896.

    The earlier portion of this work was compiled about A.D. 1230 by Alexander de Swereford. It contains charters, inquisitions, statutes, correspondence, surveys, fiscal accounts, exchequer precedents, papal bulls, etc. Hall prints many of the most important documents and a table of contents of the MS volume. More than two thirds of the material in his edition consists of records relating to feudal tenures, mainly of the reigns of Henry II, Richard I, and John. Volume 3 contains the Constitutio Domus Regis (circa 1135), privileges and exemptions of exchequer officers, three royal ordinance of 1323-26 which aim to reform the exchequer administration, a fourteenth century treatise on the mint etc. These documents throw light on the fiscal machinery of the 13th and 14th centuries, and the editor's elaborate preface gives much information regarding scutage, tenures, the exchequer administration, and other topics.


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