Walter Map facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Walter Map
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| Born | c. 1130 Welsh Marches, Wales
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| Died | between May 1208 and September 1210 |
| Occupation | Clergyman Writer |
Walter Map (Latin: Gualterius Mappus; born around 1130 – died around 1210) was an important writer from the Middle Ages. He worked for King Henry II of England as a courtier, which means he was an advisor and friend to the king. Walter Map wrote a famous book called De nugis curialium. This book is a collection of interesting stories and facts about people and places from his time. It gives us a peek into history!
Contents
Who Was Walter Map?
Walter Map was born around 1130 in an area called the Welsh Marches, which is near Wales. He often said he had Welsh roots. Historians think he might have started his studies at Gloucester Abbey before going to the University of Paris around 1154.
Walter Map's Career
After finishing his studies, Walter Map worked as a clerk for Gilbert Foliot, who was a bishop. When Bishop Foliot moved to London, Walter Map went with him.
Later, Walter Map became a clerk for King Henry II of England. This was a very important job! The king sent him on special trips, like visiting Louis VII of France and meeting Pope Alexander III. Walter Map even went to a big church meeting called the Third Lateran Council in 1179. There, he met a group of people called Waldensians.
Walter Map held several important church positions. By 1183, he was a Prebendary in the Diocese of Lincoln. He became the Chancellor of the Diocese by 1186. He also worked as a Precentor in Lincoln and a canon in London and Hereford. In 1196, he became the Archdeacon of Oxford. An Archdeacon is a senior church official who helps the bishop.
Walter Map was considered for the job of Bishop of Hereford in 1199, but he wasn't chosen. He was also a candidate for Bishop of St David's in 1203, but again, he wasn't picked. He was still alive in May 1208 but passed away by September 1210.
His Famous Writings
Walter Map was known for being witty and a great storyteller. He had many friends in the royal court, including another famous writer named Gerald of Wales.
De Nugis Curialium
His only book that we still have today is called De Nugis Curialium, which means Trifles of Courtiers. It's a collection of funny stories, gossip from the court, and some real history. The book makes fun of the church and the government of his time. It's especially interesting for its stories about the Knights Templar and Knights Hospitaller, and his descriptions of the English court and kings from the time of William II up to his own day.
Other Possible Works
Some people believe Walter Map might have written other things too. He is sometimes linked to the French Prose Lancelot stories about Lancelot and King Arthur. However, some scholars think it's more likely he would have written an English story about King Arthur or another English hero, since he worked for the King of England.
Walter Map was also thought to have written some Goliardic poetry. This was a type of satirical poetry, often humorous and critical, written by medieval students and clerks. One famous poem attributed to him is Apocalypse of Golias.
