Adam of Usk facts for kids
Adam of Usk (born around 1352, died 1430) was a Welsh priest and a skilled lawyer who specialized in church law. He was also a historian who wrote about events during the late Middle Ages. His writings showed he was not a fan of King Richard II of England.
Early Life and Studies
Adam was born in a place called Usk in south-east Wales. A powerful noble, Edmund Mortimer, 3rd Earl of March, helped Adam get an education. Mortimer was the ruler of Usk, and he supported Adam's studies. Thanks to this help, Adam went to Oxford University. There, he earned a high-level degree in church law.
Adam stayed at Oxford and became a law teacher. He even mentioned being involved in some big arguments and disputes between different groups of students in 1388 and 1389.
Adam later left Oxford and worked as a lawyer for the church's highest court in Canterbury for seven years (1390–1397). He was also part of the Parliament in 1397. In 1399, he joined the Archbishop and Henry Bolingbroke's army on a journey. These experiences, especially his connection with Thomas Arundel, influenced his opinions. Adam wrote in his history book that he was against King Richard II. He was even part of the group that helped find legal reasons to remove Richard II from his throne. Adam also met the King when he was held captive in the Tower of London.
Adam was rewarded for his part in Richard II's removal. He received church positions in Kemsing and Seal, and later in Bangor. These jobs added to his income as a lawyer. However, one of his church positions was challenged by another person. This led to a disagreement in Westminster in 1400. Even so, Adam continued his work as a lawyer.
Adam was very devoted to Saint Teilo and Saint Thomas of India.
Life in Rome
Adam lost the King's favor and left England for Rome in February 1402. He had asked the King for forgiveness for the Westminster incident, which was granted in January 1403. In Rome, Adam met important church leaders like Pope Boniface IX and Pope Innocent VII. They were so impressed with him that they offered him important church jobs in England in 1404. He was later suggested for bishop positions in Hereford and St David's, but he never got them. Another church leader, Antipope Benedict XIII, also suggested him for a position in Llandaff.
Things changed because of events outside Adam's control. The rebellion led by Owain Glyndŵr was growing in Wales. This made people in England focus on the rebellion. In the summer of 1405, there were riots in Rome. The Pope had to leave the city, which left Adam far from home. He also became very ill. Adam left Rome in June 1406 and traveled to Bruges. There, he kept a close eye on what was happening in Wales and England. He also continued his legal work in France and Flanders. He heard about plans to overthrow King Henry IV, but he wisely stayed out of it.
In 1408, Adam was ready to return to Wales. He landed at Barmouth. He hoped to gain control of the Lordship of Powis. For some years, Adam lived under the protection of Edward Cherleton as a chaplain in Welshpool.
Adam's Writings and Legacy
In March 1411, Adam received a royal pardon. This should have meant he would become important again. But in 1414, Thomas Arundel, a major supporter, died. Adam spent the rest of his life mostly out of the public eye. In 1423, he was the priest of St Cybi's Church, Llangybi, Monmouthshire, which was near where he was born. He died in 1430 and was buried in the church at Usk. You can still see his tombstone there. His will, which is also still around, shows he left gifts to Llandaff Cathedral and other churches. He also left a special gift to a relative: his own copy of a famous history book called Polychronicon. This book might have inspired him when he was young. He likely left the notes for his own history book, which was written down about 20 years later.
Adam's most important legacy is his history book, called a chronicle. It gives us a detailed look at events in Wales, England, and other countries during his time. It also shows us what life was like for an educated man who moved in important circles. He met kings and popes. He wrote about the Peasants' Revolt and the visit of the Byzantine Emperor Manuel II Palaiologos to Richard II. Adam traveled a lot and lived in many different cities. He noticed interesting things, like the beauty of Lake Lucerne and the quality of Beaune wine. His chronicle gives us a useful understanding of his times. It especially sheds light on the Owain Glyndŵr revolt in Wales.
Only one copy of Adam's chronicle still exists. Part of the book was found in 1885 at Belvoir Castle, where it remains today. The main part of the book is kept in the British Library.
His Latin history book, which covers English history from 1377 to 1421, was edited and translated by Edward Maunde Thompson. It was published as Chronicon Adæ de Usk.
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