Anglo-Saxon Chronicle

 

The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle is a term applied to a set of annals making up one of the most celebrated and influential sources of evidence for the early history of England. It is, moreover, written in English which makes it the first history of a western nation in its own language rather than Latin. In its various forms the Chronicle records events on a more or less annual basis from 443 (with a resumé going back to 60BC) to the accession of Henry II in 1154. Compilation began in the late 9^th century under Alfred the Great. It was then maintained in various centres of learning. As a result there are seven principle manuscripts of the Chronicle extant which are usually considered as four separate versions. The first, originally compiled at Winchester and then sent to Canterbury after the Conquest, concludes in 1070. The second, often known as the Abingdon Chronicle, ends in the middle of the battle of Stamford Bridge (1066) and the third, the Worcester Chronicle ends in 1079 (although there is an addition of 1130). The fourth version, the Peterborough Chronicle, is of greatest value for the Norman period as it continues up to 1154. One of its features is the vivid description of the anarchy of Stephen’s reign when ‘Never did a country endure greater misery’.

 

Bibliography

- Whitelock, D. (ed.), 1979. English Historical Documents, 1, c.500-1042 (2^nd ed., (London, Eyre and Spottiswood)
- Douglas, D.C. and Greenaway (eds), 1981. English Historical Documents, 2, 1042-1189 (2^nd ed. London, Eyre and Spottiswood)
- Garmonsway, G.N., 1953. Anglo-Saxon Chronicle (London, Everyman’s Library)
- Swanton, M., 1996. The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle (London)
- Whitelock, D. with Douglas, D.C. and Tucker, S.I., 1961. The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle : a revised translation (London, Eyre and Spottiswood)