William Rufus Sources

Question 1

Anglo Saxon Chronicle

Answer 1

• In Old English, written by English Monks, so often critical of Norman rule
• E Chronicle in Peterborough was a copy of the Canterbury version
• Chronicler recognises Rufus as ‘our king’ - Anglo-Norman unity
• Chronicler supports action against Scots
• Only in 1100, when Rufus died, does it openly criticise him

Question 2

Eadmer

Answer 2

• Precentor of Canterbury and friend of Anselm - eyewitness and very well informed
• Second earliest historical account of Rufus’ reign (Historia novorum completed in 1109)
• Takes a critical view of Rufus - writing a hagiography so presents Anselm in the best way possible (e.g. showing him as a lone wolf etc)

Question 3

Geoffrey Gaimar

Answer 3

• Anglo-French poet
• Wrote L’Estuaire des Engleis, charting history of England from Arthur to Rufus in the 1130s, for the Clare family
• Aristocratic audience, so Gaimar focuses on making Rufus chivalrous and praiseworthy, comparable to Arthur.
• Mirrored by later poets, Wace and Benoît
• Relied on ecclesiastical sources, (e.g. ASC). He was bi or tri lingual.

Question 4

Henry of Huntingdon

Answer 4

• Priest (not a monk)
• Son of Lincoln cathedral canon and archdeacon of Huntingdon
• Worked in Robert Bloet (B.o. Lincoln)’s household, and asked to write Historia Anglorum by Robert’s successor, Alexander, in the 1120s - A. = member of Le Power family, administrative dynasty
• Henry = most well connected
• Sought to depict the Conquest and its aftermath as a punishment for the English’s sins
• Used the Anglo Saxon Chronicle

Question 5

John/Florence of Worcester

Answer 5

• English monk at Worcester - WHICH WAS VACANT AFTER WULFSTAN’S DEATH
• Commanded to produce it by Bishop Wulfstan (d. 1095) so started work in Rufus’ reign.
• Used versions of ASC and Eadmer’s Historia Novorum.
• Collaborated with Orderic Vitalis and William of Malmesbury
• Only criticises Rufus after his death in 1100, stating his death as divine punishment

Question 6

Orderic Vitalis

Answer 6

• Half English, half Norman
• Lived in abbey of Saint-Evroul
• Father and abbey were patronised by Montgomery family so he is well informed about them
• Began Historia ecclesiastica in the 1110s
• Lived in continent so knew more of continental activities.
• Travelled in England and collaborated with JoW and WoM
• Most balanced account of Rufus, deploring loose morals but praising chivalry and punishment of rebels, doesn’t state his death as an act of God

Question 7

Simeon of Durham

Answer 7

• Monk of Jarrow
• Served William of Saint-Calais and may have accompanied him during his exile from 1088-1091, becoming precentor of Durham
• Wrote two histories - one of Durham and one general (historia regime anglorum)
• Relied on ASC, JoW, WoM, Eadmer but adds unique material about the north
• Favour shown to Durham by Rufus (also built monasteries nearby) and its association with Ranulf made him more sympathetic to them

Question 8

William of Malmesbury

Answer 8

Half English half Norman

• Wrote in Henry’s reign
• Patron was Henry I’s illegitimate son, Robert E.o. Gloucester.
• Knew Roger le Poer, chief minister
• Friend of Henry of Blois, bishop of Winchester and abbot of Glastonbury, brother to successor, Stephen.
• Collaborated with JoW and OV.
• Audience was Henry I’s children and supporters (affects view of Rufus?)
• Condemns Rufus’ loose morals and pursuit of wealth but admires chivalrous achievements.
• Identifies Rufus’ death as an act of divine punishment

Question 9

Hugh of Flavigny

Answer 9

• French
• Part of Jarento of Dijon’s entourage in 1096
• Does show Rufus’ good treatment of the legate

Question 10

Suger of St Denis

Answer 10

-Abbot of St Denis, France
-Chief minister essentially of France
Writes letters and histories of kings (notably Louis VI)
-Writing after William II’s reign
-Met and spoke to Walter Tirel

Question 11

Coronation Charter

Answer 11

• 3 days after Rufus’ death
• Sent throughout the country
• Criticises Rufus’ reign, especially the treatment of the church
• Suggests vague improvements that he will make, not all of which he sticks to
• Demonstrates his insecurity

Question 12

Trial of William of St Calais

Answer 12

• Written by a Monk of Durham, possibly Simeon
• Soon after the trial
• Earliest surviving document of an English state trial