John de Taxster facts for kids
John de Taxster was an English writer from the 1200s. He was known as a chronicler, which means he wrote down historical events. People sometimes mistakenly call him Taxter or Taxston.
We don't know much about John de Taxster's life. We do know he became a Benedictine monk at Bury St. Edmunds Abbey in Suffolk, England. This happened on November 20, 1244. He likely died around 1265, because that's when his writings stop.
John de Taxster's Chronicle
John de Taxster's main work is part of a larger book called the Chronica Buriensis. This name means Chronicle of Bury St Edmunds. After him, two other writers continued this chronicle.
What the Chronicle Covers
Taxster's chronicle starts with the creation of the world. For the earliest parts, he used information from other historians. These included Florence of Worcester, William of Malmesbury, and Ralph de Diceto.
His own original writing begins around the year 1212. This part describes events that were happening during his lifetime. Later writers, like John de Everisden, Johannes de Oxenedes, and Bartholomew Cotton, used Taxster's descriptions in their own works.
Where to Find the Chronicle
Today, two main copies of Taxster's chronicle still exist. One is kept at the British Museum. The other is at the College of Arms.
A part of the chronicle covering the years 1212 to 1301 was published in 1964 by Antonia Gransden. Another section, from 1258 to 1263, was printed by H. R. Luard.
See also
- Jocelyn de Brakelond, another monk famous for his chronicle about Bury St. Edmunds Abbey.
- Chronica Johannis de Oxenedes, a historical record written around the same time at St Benet's Abbey.
- Geoffrey de Runcey, a later writer from Bury St Edmunds.
