Sources Flashcards
Strengths of The Chronicle of Lanercost
- Location of Lanercost meant it could hear from passers by from Southern Scotland and Northern England
- Edward I was a frequent visiter
- Written at the time - some will be eye witness accounts
What is the purpose of a chronicle?
To compile records of events, a history. Written to inform latter readers, meant to be a reliable record
Limitations of The Chronicle of Lanercost
- Written by English writers, English perspective of events
- The Priory was regularly devastated by Scot’s raids so they had an anti-Scottish tone
Strengths of Guisborough’s Chronicle
-The Chronicle was well regarded so Guisborough was often informed of events
Limitations of Guisborough’s Chronicle
-Written by English
Strength of Barbour’s sources
- Writing near to the time of events
- Drawn on a wide range of sources
What was the purpose of Barbour’s poem?
To recount the Bruce contribution to the Wars of Independence but also to put Bruce’s role in the best possible light - family propaganda
Limitations of Barbour’s sources
- Very critical of Balliol and underplays Wallace’s efforts to exaggerate Bruce
- Sources used were word of mouth, unreliable
What was the purpose of the Gesta Annalia?
To record history in a way that is favourable to the Scot’s
Strengths of the Gesta Annalia?
- Writer was well infomed
- Written by multiple people, gives lots of perspectives
- Primary Source
Limitations of the Gesta Annalia?
- Scottish perspective of events
- Lots of inconsistencies
What was the purpose of Wallace’s letters after Stirling?
To make clear to others the success at the battle
Strengths of Wallace’s letters after Stirling
- Wallace is well informed
- Primary Source
Limitations of Wallace’s letters after Stirling
-Exaggerate the strength of the Scots
What was the purpose of the Vita Edward Secundi?
To record events of Edward II’s reign
