Henry Knighton facts for kids
Henry Knighton (also spelled Knyghton) was a religious writer and historian who lived in England. He was a type of priest or monk called an Augustinian canon at St Mary of the Meadows in Leicester. Henry Knighton wrote a long history of England. His book covered events from the time of the Norman conquest (around 1066) up until 1396. It is believed that he died in that same year.
About Henry Knighton
We learn most of what we know about Henry Knighton from his own writings. These writings are called his "chronicle." In the first parts of his chronicle, his name is shown as HENRICVS CNITTON. Many people think his name suggests he came from a place called Knighton.
Life at Leicester Abbey
Henry Knighton was a canon at the "St Mary of the Meadows" abbey before 1363. We know this because he was there when King Edward III visited. He stayed at the abbey for more than 30 years. In his writings, he shared many details about how well the abbey was doing financially. This Augustinian abbey was one of the richest in England. It was located on the northern edge of Leicester, where Abbey Park is today.
His Views on Kings and Reformers
Knighton supported King Edward III and wrote good things about him. He lived during the same time as John Wycliffe, a famous religious thinker. Knighton knew Wycliffe personally because he went to Oxford when Wycliffe was teaching there.
However, Knighton was not directly involved with Wycliffe or his followers, known as the Lollards. The Lollards believed in changing some parts of the Church. Knighton is sometimes called the first historian to write about the Lollard movement. He wrote that by 1382, almost every second person in England was talking about Church problems, similar to Wycliffe's ideas.
Knighton did not agree with Wycliffe's ideas for Church reform. He felt these new ideas could threaten his way of life as a monk. Even so, he respected Wycliffe as a smart scholar. He wrote that Wycliffe was a very important religious leader and philosopher of his time.
See also
- Knighton's Chronicon
- Leicester Abbey
