Gervase of Canterbury facts for kids

Gervase of Canterbury (born around 1141, died around 1210) was an English historian. He was a monk at Christ Church in Canterbury. He wrote important records about events in England during his time. His writings help us understand the past.

Life of Gervase

Gervase became a monk at Christ Church, Canterbury, in 1163. Saint Thomas Becket, a famous archbishop, helped him become a monk. Gervase was one of the monks who buried Saint Thomas after he was killed in 1170.

Gervase played a part in arguments between the monks and Archbishop Baldwin. This happened between 1185 and 1191. Gervase was sent to tell the archbishop about their complaints. He also spoke to King Richard I about these issues in 1189.

Around 1193, Gervase became a sacristan. A sacristan was a monk in charge of the church's sacred items. This included things like holy books and special robes. He probably stopped being sacristan around 1197.

Gervase continued writing until at least 1199. Some clues suggest he might have kept writing until 1210. Historians believe he died around or soon after that year.

Gervase and the Moon

Gervase recorded a very interesting event about the Moon. Five monks from Canterbury told him what they saw. This happened shortly after sunset on June 18, 1178.

They reported that the "upper horn [of the moon] split in two." Then, a "flaming torch" appeared from the middle. It shot out fire, hot coals, and sparks. The Moon's body below seemed to "writhe" like a wounded snake. It then returned to normal.

This strange event happened many times. The flame changed shapes before the Moon went back to normal. After these changes, the entire Moon looked "blackish."

In 1976, a scientist named Jack B. Hartung suggested something. He thought the monks might have seen a comet or asteroid hit the Moon. This impact could have created the Giordano Bruno crater.

Modern science supports this idea. An impact would send molten rock into space. This matches the monks' description of a "flaming torch." The location of the event also fits the crater's spot. The crater also has bright rays around it. These rays fade over time. This suggests the crater is quite new. So, it's possible Giordano Bruno was formed in June 1178.

Gervase's Writings

Gervase wrote several important works. These help us learn about English history.

• The Chronicle: This book covers events from 1100 to 1199. It's a key source for that time.
• Gesta Regum: This means "Deeds of the Kings." It's a shorter version of his first chronicle. But it also adds new and valuable information. Especially about the early years of King John's rule.
• Actus Pontificum Cantuariensis Ecclesia: This is a history of the archbishops of Canterbury. It goes up to the death of Archbishop Hubert Walter in 1205.
• Mappa Mundi: This work describes different places. It lists bishoprics and churches in England, Wales, and parts of Scotland.

These works were later published by Dr. Stubbs. His work helped historians understand Gervase better.

Modern Representations

Gervase's writings have even inspired plays. A play by Dorothy L. Sayers, called The Zeal of Thy House, is based on his account. It tells the story of William of Sens.