John Walwayn facts for kids

John Walwayn (died 1326) was an English royal official and scholar. He is thought by some to be the author of an important historical book. This book is called Vita Edwardi Secundi, which means "Life of Edward II." It tells part of the story of King Edward II's time as ruler.

John Walwayn's Life and Work

Walwayn was a "clerk" in medieval England. This meant he was a smart person, like a scholar or an important helper for leaders. He was also a "civil lawyer," meaning he knew a lot about laws.

Early Career and Royal Service

Walwayn first worked for the Earl of Hereford. He became a trusted helper to the Earl. Later, he became a "canon" (a type of priest) at Hereford and St Paul's Cathedral in London.

By 1311, Walwayn was working for the King. He became an "escheator" for the southern part of England. An escheator was a royal official. Their job was to manage land that went back to the King. This happened if a noble died without children, or if someone was found guilty of being a traitor.

A Mysterious Mission

In 1311, Walwayn was with King Edward II during a war in Scotland. He was arrested and put in prison in Berwick. It seems he had gone to talk with Robert the Bruce, a Scottish leader. The reason for his visit is not clear. Some people think King Edward might have sent him. Perhaps he was trying to find a safe place in Scotland for the King's close friend, Piers Gaveston. Gaveston was in trouble with some powerful English nobles. Walwayn might have been imprisoned by the King's own orders. This would have kept his secret mission from being found out.

Later Life and Challenges

Walwayn tried to become a bishop several times. In 1316, he was a candidate for Bishop of Durham, but he did not win. In 1318, he was made the King's Lord High Treasurer. This was a very important job, managing the King's money. However, he was removed from this role a few months later. This happened because the government was trying to get rid of officials they thought were corrupt. In 1324, he tried again to become Bishop of Hereford, but he failed. He stopped working as an escheator in January 1324. John Walwayn died by July 1326.

Who Wrote Vita Edwardi Secundi?

The Vita Edwardi Secundi is an important historical book. It is a "chronicle," which means it's a record of events written as they happened. This book tells the story of King Edward II's reign. It suddenly stops in 1326, just before the King was removed from power.

The Debate Over Authorship

Historian Noël Denholm-Young believed that John Walwayn wrote this book. Denholm-Young thought Walwayn fit the description of the author. For example, Walwayn was a King's clerk. His career was at its busiest between 1315 and 1323. He also died by 1326. These facts matched what was known about the book's author.

However, other historians have questioned this idea. Antonia Gransden said that there isn't enough proof to be sure. She pointed out that the book doesn't mention St Paul's Cathedral or London much, even though Walwayn was connected to them. W.R. Childs agrees that the evidence is not strong enough. But she also notes that Walwayn's background and career fit many of the clues about the author. So, if Walwayn didn't write it, it was likely someone with a very similar life story.