Chroniclers Flashcards
What version of the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle covers the years of the reign of Rufus?
The E Version, aka the Peterborough Manuscript.
How is the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle structured?
Annalistic in structure (year by year).
What was the purpose of the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle and what is the consequence of this?
It reports on the most important events but it only records events (perfunctory)
What is the only Anglo-Saxon Chronicle entry that reviews previous events?
The entry for 1100, the year Rufus died
Make a final observation of the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle.
As one long narrative of events, it fails to connect the history together.
What was Eadmer’s background? (Focus on his relationship with a certain Archbishop)
He was a close companion of Anselm. When he became archbishop, Eadmer became his literary assistant (amanuensis).
How did Eadmer’s relationship with Anselm affect his writings?
He became the fiercest critic of Rufus due to his treatment of the church and Anselm. There is more subjectivity in his writing than most chroniclers.
What were Eadmer’s two written works?
Historia Novorum in Anglia - The New History of England.
Vita Anselmi - The Life of Anselm - a deliberate piece of hagiography.
Make a final observation on the works of Eadmer.
Despite the subjectivity of his work, he did heavily influence later writers e.g. Henry of Huntingdon and William of Malmesbury.
What was Henry of Huntingdon’s background?
Archdeacon (member of the secular clergy) , responsible for the management and upkeep of the churches and a cathedral in Lincoln.
Aged 12, he was sent to be educated by the Bishop of Lincoln . He was asked to complete a narrative history, his patron being Bishop of Lincoln.
What made Henry of Huntingdon’s work unique?
It included tales of morality, taking events and sometimes including stories to make a bigger point e.g Canute trying to hold back the waves. He also had excellent knowledge, including Stonehenge in his writing.
When was Henry of Huntingdon’s work published?
During the reign of Henry I, after the death of Rufus.
What was William of Malmesbury’s background?
Became an oblate, given over to Malmesbury Abbey for his education and the rest of his life. In charge of the scriptorium (librarian) where he may have had access to up to 400 other literary works. Described by historians as the greatest chronicler of the 12th century.
Was William of Malmesbury objective when explaining Rufus through a secular lens?
Often yes, with there being a famous passage describing him as having ‘the soul of Caesar’ when dealing with his enemies.
Was William of Malmesbury objective when looking at Rufus and his attitudes toward the church?
No, instead joining in with Eadmer’s criticisms e.g. his most well-known passage in which he provides a direct criticism of his court, questioning his morality and the standards he lived his life by, leading into issues regarding clothing and that he never married.
