Walter of Coventry facts for kids

Walter of Coventry was an English monk and writer who lived around the year 1290. He is mostly known for a history book he put together called Memoriale fratris Walteri de Coventria. This long title means "Memorial of Brother Walter of Coventry."

Some people think the word Memoriale means a "commonplace book," which is like a notebook where someone collects important facts and notes. Others believe it means "a souvenir," and they suggest Walter might have just given the book to someone, not written it himself. However, most historians agree that Walter was indeed the one who put the book together.

What Was the Memoriale?

The Memoriale is a collection of historical writings. Walter lived during the time of King Edward I. His book even mentions an event from 1291, when leaders from Scotland showed respect to King Edward, who was seen as their main ruler.

How Walter Wrote History

Most of Walter's book was copied from older writings. It wasn't all original work. For the years between 1201 and 1225, his book is an exact copy of a history written by a priest from a place called Barnwell. This original Barnwell history book still exists today, but it has never been fully printed. A famous historian named Bishop Stubbs used it to check Walter's work.

The Barnwell Writer's Viewpoint

The Barnwell writer lived in Cambridgeshire, which was a good location to observe the events of the First Barons' War. This war was a very important time in English history, and the Barnwell writer's account is a valuable source for understanding it.

Interestingly, the Barnwell writer had a different view of King John compared to other writers of that time, like Roger of Wendover or Matthew Paris. While others were often very critical of King John, the Barnwell writer was less harsh.

King John's Actions

The Barnwell writer actually praised King John for how he handled wars in Wales and Scotland. He also wasn't afraid to criticize the Pope and the English people who were against King John.

When King John agreed to follow the rules of the Pope in Rome, some people saw it as a big defeat for the king. But the Barnwell writer thought it was a clever move by King John.

The Magna Carta

The Barnwell writer didn't seem very excited about the big changes happening in 1215, like the discussions at Runnymede. He barely mentioned the Magna Carta, which was a very important document that limited the king's power. He even blamed the English noblemen, called barons, for starting the war again.

It's possible the writer was just being careful and didn't want to attack King John. But it's more likely that the everyday people he represented didn't trust the powerful noblemen and their plans.