Symeon
(or Simeon) probably entered the monastery at Durham cathedral before 1083,
but little is known of his life except that he was present at the installation
of St Cuthbert’s remains at the cathedral high altar and subsequently became
precentor (leader of the choir) of Durham. His principal work is Historia
Regum Anglorum et Dacorum which is in two parts; the first is solely
concerned with Anglo-Saxon period, but the second covers the years 848 –
1129. It is based on John of Worcester’s Chronicle until 1119, but is a
largely original composition for the years 1119-29. Symeon’s work was
continued by the monks of Hexham until 1153. In addition, Symeon wrote Historiae
Ecclesiae Dunelmensis (a History of the Church of Durham) in the years
1104-8 which concludes with the death of Archbishop William of St Calais,
founder of the Norman cathedral, in 1096.
Bibliography
-
Arnold, T. (ed.), 1888. Symeonis Monachi Opera Omnia (London, Rolls
Series 75)
