William Worcester facts for kids
William Worcester (born around 1415, died about 1482) was an English writer and traveler from the Middle Ages. He was known for writing about places, old things, and history. People sometimes called him William of Worcester or William Botoner.
Contents
William Worcester's Life Story
Early Years and Family
William Worcester was born in Bristol, England. His father, also named William, worked with leather. His mother, Elizabeth, came from a family called Botoner, and William sometimes used that name too.
Education and Work
William went to Oxford University to study. After finishing school, he became a secretary for a very important knight named Sir John Fastolf. Sir John was a wealthy man, and William worked for him for many years.
A New Chapter
When Sir John Fastolf died in 1459, William Worcester was one of the people in charge of his will. At first, it seemed like William wouldn't get anything from Sir John's will. He was quite upset about this!
However, William and another colleague worked things out. They reached a friendly agreement. Because of this, William received some land near Norwich and in Southwark, which is part of London today. He passed away around 1482.
William Worcester's Writings
William Worcester loved to travel and write down what he saw. His notes are super helpful for understanding what England was like long ago.
His Travel Journals
William made many trips across England. He wrote down everything he noticed in his travel journals, which are now called his "Itineraries." These notes are like a treasure map for historians!
His detailed description of Bristol is especially important. It tells us a lot about the city in medieval times. Parts of his notes have been published over the years, helping people learn about the past.
Books About History and War
William also wrote a book called The Boke of Noblesse (The Book of Nobility). He wrote it in the 1450s, a time when England was losing battles in France. He later updated it, hoping to encourage King Edward IV to fight for England's claims in France again.
He also wrote Annales rerum Anglicarum, which means "Annals of English Affairs." This book is a valuable record of England's history during the time of King Henry VI. It helps us understand the important events and wars that happened back then.
