Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall
The Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall (Chronicon Anglicanum) is an indispensable medieval history that brings to life centuries of English and European affairs through the eyes of a learned Cistercian monk. Ralph of Coggeshall, abbot of the Abbey of Coggeshall in Essex in the early 13th century, continued and expanded his community’s chronicle, documenting events from the Norman Conquest of 1066 into the tumultuous reign of King Henry III. Blending eyewitness testimony, careful compilation, and the monastic commitment to record-keeping, this chronicle offers a rare narrative of political intrigue, royal power struggles, and social upheaval in England and beyond. Ralph’s work captures the reigns of pivotal figures such as Richard I and King John, providing invaluable insights into their characters, decisions, and the forces that shaped medieval rule. More than a simple annal, Chronicon Anglicanum conveys the texture of medieval life and governance, making it a rich source for scholars and readers fascinated by English history, monastic authorship, and the shaping of the medieval world.
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Speculum Historiale de Gestis Regum Angliae Richard of Cirencester is in Late Medieval Books.
[4th September 925] Æthelstan also, his first-born son, was created king at Kingston, the royal estate on the Thames near London, and was consecrated by Athelm, archbishop of Canterbury. In the times of this king, in the borders of Wessex, there arose a notable boy, Dunstan. And the most merciful king Æthelstan walked in the ways of his fathers, he did not turn aside to the right hand nor to the left, keeping the same faith in God, grace towards his subjects, devotion towards the churches of God, mercy towards the poor, and reverence towards the priests of God.
Æthelstanus quoque, filius eius primogenitus, apud Kyngeston, regiam villam super Thamiriam prope Londoniam rex creatus, ab Athelmo Dorobemensi archiepiscopo consecratus est. Huius vero regis temporibus in Westsaxoniaæ finibus insignis puer oritur Dunstanus. Ambulavitque clementissimus rex Æthelstanus in viis patrum suorum, non dedinavit ad dexteram neque ad sinistram, eandem in Deum fidem, in subditos gratiam, drca ecclesias Dei devotionem, drca pauperes misericordiam, circa Dei sacerdotes retinens reverentiam.
How King Æthelstan married his sister
King Æthelstan of the English honourably gave his sister Edith in marriage to Sihtric, king of the Northumbrians, who was descended from the Danish line. For love of the maiden he abandoned paganism and embraced the faith of Christ. But not long afterwards, rejecting the blessed virgin, and abandoning Christianity, he restored the worship of idols. And after a short time, having apostatized, he ended his life miserably. The holy maiden, however, having preserved her virginity, remained at Polesworth, in fastings and vigils, in prayers and the practice of almsgiving, abounding in good works until the end of her life. After completing the course of her praiseworthy life, she passed from this world there on the Ides of July [15th July 925]. And in that place, even to this day, divine miracles do not cease to be celebrated.
Ut Æthelstanus rex Bororem [sororem] suam maritaverit.
Æethelstanus rex Anglorom Eadgitham sororem suam Sihtrico, Danica Datione progenito Northumbronun regi, matrimonio honorifice copulavit. Qui ob amorem virginis paganismum relinquens fidem Chiisti suscepit; sed non multo post beatam viiginem repudians, ao Christianitatem abidens, idolorum culturam restauravity et post modicum temporis apostatatus vitam miserabiliter terminavit, Sancta itaque puella virginitate sibi reservata apud FoUesberiam in ieiuniis et vigiliis, iu orationibus et eleemosynarum studiis, usque in finem yitsd susa bonis poUens operibus, perseveravit Transiit autem post laudabilis vitas cursum ex hoc mundo ibidem, idus Julii, ubi usque hodie divina miraeula non desinunt celebrarL