Sources - authors Flashcards
1
Q
Anglo-Saxon Chronicle
A
- Chronicle tends to be factual and record specific details of events that occured
- Normans seen as being oppressive and the Anglo-Saxons seen as sinful and corrupt
- Has been added to and subtracted from over time
- Focuses on the role of the English in suppressing invaders and discontent in other areas of the realm
- Original chronicle came out later in Alfred’s reign and was written by members of the inner court of the King
2
Q
Eadmer of Canterbury
A
- Was an Englishmen who spent his career as a monk at Canterbury in the household of Archbishop Anselm
- Was exiled with Archbishop Anselm with Rufus and therefore this may influence his opinion of the king in his writings, he was still in exile at the time of the death of Rufus
- Wrote a biography of Anselm that gives a positive description of his character
- Was a witness to many of the events that he describes
3
Q
Henry of Huntingdon
A
- Lived through and would have been influenced by reign of William II
- Largely hostile to Rufus
- Was a religious person who intertwined existing accounts with his own stories
- He was a member of the Church, was Archdeacon of Huntingdon
- Agreed that the conquest was a result of God’s judgement on the English people, however his work shows a ‘developing sense of Englishness’
- Believed that England had been unified successfully by the Anglo-Saxons and this unity was disrupted by the Normans
4
Q
John of Worcester
A
- Monk who wrote his history at Worcester between 1124-1140, as a member of the Church he would have been influenced by the actions of Rufus during his reign
- He used a copy of the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle that has been subsequently lost, this version seems to be quote different from the later versions, so John’s account provides great historical value
- Hosility was shown in the writings to Flambard for his taxing of the church so heavily and abusing church law
5
Q
Oderic Vitalis
A
- Mixed heritage, born to English and Norman parents, this could suggest that his work offers a balanced viewpoint of events
- Was sent to become a monk at the age of 10 in Normandy
- Wrote the Ecclesiastical History between 1114-1141 and appears to have been well informed by leading Anglo-Saxon and Norman families due to his position in society and dual heritage
- Was a known supporter of Henry I, also had personal reasons for disliking Robert
- Wrote most of his work in Normandy and therefore may not have had access to all of the sources from England when he was writing his account
6
Q
William of Jumieges
A
- Monk at Jumieges near Rouen in Normandy, he dedicated his work to William the Conqueror
- Used a lot of earlier sources in his work, tells the reader key details about life in England before and after the conquest
- His purpose in writing was to legitimise the reign of William I and support his succession to the throne
7
Q
William of Malmesbury
A
- Monk in Wiltshire who produced a 5 volume history of the Anglo-Saxons, was a prolific historian whose work is noted as being thorough and of a high standard
- Writings should be treated with caution as they were based on an ancient text of which there is no evidence
- Also shared the contemporary view that the Norman Conquest was God’s judgement on an immoral and corrupt nation
- Aimed to preserve his heritage int he face of the aggressive Normans and therefore would have a negative view of Rufus in particular
8
Q
William of Poitiers
A
- Work was used by Oderic Vitalis
- Served William I as a knight before opting for a religious life
- Wrote the History of William the Conqueror and used this piece of work to enchanted the character of William I and justify the invasion of England
9
Q
Simoen of Durham
A
- Accompanied William of Calais when he returned from exile 1091
- Influenced by the sale of the bishopric of Durham to Flambard
- Hostile to the ungodly William and had local knowledge about Scottish Affairs
- Was an upholder of law and order and disliked rebels
10
Q
Life of King Edward
A
- Writer unknown, however it sees likely that it was a mink from the monetary of St Bertin in St Omer, Flanders
- Known to focus on the Godwins, work was dedicated to Queen Edith (Godwin’s daughter and Edward’s wife)
- Gives fresh insight into the closing years of Edward’s reign including the building of Westminster Abbey, the Northumbria rising of 1065 and the death of Edward
11
Q
Guy Bishop of Amiens
A
- Wrote a poem about the Battle of Hastings
- Was well connected with the aristocracy of northern France and with William and his family
- Accompanied Queen Matilda to England in 1068 and was therefore well placed to use the first hand accounts of the battle
12
Q
Bayeux Tapestry
A
- Prevailing view is that this was commissioned by Bishop Odo soon after the conquest
- Portrayal of the battle is dramatic and gives an insight into 11th century military techniques
- Accepted that it was largely created to justify the invasion, which is confirmed by its focus on Harold being an oath breaker
