Thomas of Eccleston facts for kids
Thomas of Eccleston was an English monk who lived a long time ago, in the 1200s. He was a Franciscan, which is a type of Christian religious order. Thomas is famous for writing a book called De Adventu Fratrum Minorum in Angliam. This book tells the story of how the Franciscan friars first came to England in 1224. He wrote about their early years until around 1258. He simply called himself "Brother Thomas" in his writings.
Life of Thomas
Thomas joined the Franciscan order around 1232 or 1233. He was a student at Oxford University between 1230 and 1240. After 1240, he lived at the Franciscan monastery in London. He didn't hold any special job there, but he was busy with his writing.
About His Book: De Adventu
Thomas of Eccleston's book, De Adventu Fratrum Minorum in Angliam, is more like a collection of notes than a finished story. It gives us a lot of information about the early days of the Franciscan order. It also shows how their ideas developed in England.
Thomas spent about 26 years gathering information for his book. He used what he knew personally and what he learned from talking to people. He also used old documents that no longer exist today. His book describes the "heroic period" of the Franciscan movement in England. This was a time when the friars were just starting out and doing amazing things.
His book doesn't always have exact dates. It can also be a bit confusing with the order of events. However, it is considered very accurate and trustworthy. It is especially good for learning about the Franciscan friars in England.
