The Anglo-Norman Territories

Eadmer (c. 1060 / 1125)

 

Eadmer was a monk at Christchurch priory, Canterbury when, as a young man of 19, he first met Anselm, then Abbot of Bec in Normandy. From 1093, when he became Archbishop of Canterbury, until his death in 1109 Eadmer was Anselm’s close companion and disciple. In 1120 Eadmer was offered the bishopric of St Andrews in Scotland, but soon returned to Canterbury, unable to agree the terms of his investiture with King Alexander. After Anselm’s death Eadmer had completed the Vita Anselmi (Life of Anselm), an intimate portrait of his patron in which he is presented as a legitimate successor to the great English saints, Wilfrid and Dunstan. Eadmer’s other major work is the Historia Novorum which, after some reference to pre-Conquest kings, covers the period from the Norman Conquest to 1121. As a historian Eadmer was greatly admired by William of Malmesbury and avoids sensational details and alleged miracles often found in historical writing of the time. Both the Life of Anselm and the Historia are important sources for the reign of William Rufus and, in particular, his difficult relations with the church. Other biographical and religious writings by Eadmer are preserved at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge.

 

 

Bibliography

- Rule, M., 1864. Eadmer, Historia Novorum in Anglia (London, Rolls Series 81)
- Southern, R.W. (ed.), 1972/1996. Eadmer, Vita Anselmi (Oxford University Press / Sandpiper Books)

 

retour aux sources littéraires de l'histoire normande