Ralph of Coggeshall facts for kids
Ralph of Coggeshall was an English monk and a very important writer from a long time ago. He lived in a place called Coggeshall Abbey in Essex. He was known as a "chronicler," which means he wrote down historical events in the order they happened. He helped us learn a lot about English history, especially about the time of the Crusades.
Quick facts for kids
Ralph of Coggeshall
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| Died | 1227 |
| Occupation | Chronicler |
| Nationality | English |
| Subject | English history |
| Notable works | Chronicon Anglicanum |
Contents
About Ralph of Coggeshall
Ralph of Coggeshall was a monk who lived in England many centuries ago. He became the leader, or "abbot," of Coggeshall Abbey from 1207 to 1218. This abbey was a special kind of monastery belonging to the Cistercian order. Ralph was famous for writing down history, especially about the Third Crusade and a person named Gerard of Ridefort.
Ralph himself told us that he stopped being abbot because he was very sick. His fellow monks did not want him to leave, but he felt he had to.
Ralph's Main History Book
Ralph took over and continued a history book called Chronicon Anglicanum (which means "English Chronicle"). This book was already being written at his abbey. The original book started in the year 1066. Ralph began adding his own writings from the year 1187. He hoped to write up to the year 1227, but his own copy of the book stops three years earlier.
Ralph was not trying to be a fancy writer. If he had a written source, he would often just copy what it said. Other times, he would simply list stories he heard from visitors in the order they happened. He did not always connect these stories smoothly.
How Ralph Wrote History
Unlike some other historians of his time, Ralph did not use many official documents in his work. He only quoted three letters in his entire book. However, he was very careful to check his facts. The changes and erasures in his own handwritten copy show that he worked hard to make sure his details were correct.
Sometimes, the people who gave him information were very trustworthy. For example, he got the story of King Richard I being captured by Leopold of Austria from Richard's own chaplain.
Ralph's Views on Kings
Ralph usually wrote about events without showing much emotion. But in his original book, he did write some critical things about Prince John. These criticisms were also copied by another writer named Roger of Wendover.
Ralph really admired King Henry II. He even added his own notes to another history book by Ralph Niger, defending King Henry II from criticisms.
Ralph had a fair opinion of King Richard I. He recognized Richard's great qualities but also believed that Richard's character became worse over time. However, Ralph was always against King John. Since Ralph was a Cistercian monk and supported the Mandeville family, he probably felt he had to be.
Other Writings
In his Chronicon, Ralph mentioned a book he had put together about visions and miracles. Sadly, this book no longer exists. He also continued Ralph Niger's history book, covering the years 1162 to 1178. He also wrote shorter yearly records from 1066 to 1223.
The original handwritten copy of the Chronicon Anglicanum is kept safe in the British Library. This same book also contains his continuation of Ralph Niger's work. Another book, the Chronicon Terrae Sanctae (History of the Holy Land), was once thought to be by Ralph, but it was written by someone else. Ralph actually used this book as one of his sources for his own Chronicon Anglicanum.
