Chronicon Abbatiae de Evesham facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chronicon Abbatiae de Evesham |
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|---|---|
| Evesham Chronicle | |
| Author(s) | Thomas of Marlborough Dominic of Evesham |
| Compiled by | Thomas of Marlborough Dominic of Evesham |
| Date | 714–1539 |
| Provenance | Evesham Abbey |
The Chronicon Abbatiae de Evesham or Chronicle of the Abbey of Evesham is a very old book. It was written at Evesham Abbey, a famous religious place in Worcestershire, England. This book tells the long history of the abbey, covering events from the year 714 all the way to 1539. It's like a detailed diary for the abbey, recording important moments over many centuries.
What's Inside the Evesham Chronicle?
The Evesham Chronicle is a special history book. It covers nearly 800 years of Evesham Abbey's story. The first parts, from 714 to 1214, were likely written by Thomas of Marlborough. He later became the abbot (the head of the abbey) from 1230 to 1236.
The very earliest sections of the chronicle talk about Saint Egwin. He was a bishop of Worcester who died in 717. These early parts were probably written by Dominic, who was a prior (a high-ranking monk) at the abbey before 1125.
The chronicle also includes stories about other important saints. You can read about the life of Saint Wigstan. There's also a story about moving the holy items (relics) of St Odulph.
Who Wrote Different Parts?
Historians have studied the Chronicle closely to figure out who wrote each part. R. R. Darlington, a historian, believed that the section about Abbot Æthelwig was not written by Thomas. Instead, he thought it was written soon after Æthelwig died around 1077 or 1078.
Another historian, David Knowles, agreed that Thomas didn't write this part. He thought Dominic might have written the section about Abbot Æthelwig. Later on, another unknown writer continued the history of the abbots until 1539.
How the Chronicle Was Published
The Chronicon has been printed and shared many times over the years. One important version was published in 1863. It was part of a collection called the Rolls Series, and William Dunn Macray was the editor. This edition was titled Chronicon abbatiae de Evesham, ad annum 1418, but it actually included the story up to 1539.
Later, in 1965, another version was published by the Vale of Evesham Historical Society. This one also included the full history up to 1539. More recently, in 2003, a new edition came out. It was put together by Jane Sayers and Leslie Watkiss, and it even had a translation next to the original Latin text, making it easier to read.
