Rokewode, John Gage, ed., Chronica Jocelini de Brakelonda de rebus Gestis Samsonis Abbatis Monstaerii Sancti Edmundi (London: John Bowyer Nichols and Son (Camden Society, No. 13), 1840). View Source Online

Text name(s): Chronica Jocelini de Brakelonda de rebus Gestis Samsonis Abbatis Monstaerii Sancti Edmundi

Number of pages of primary source text: 103

Medieval Author(s): Jocelin of Brakelond

Dates: 1173 - 1201

Archival Reference: Harleian MS. 1005

Original Language(s): Latin;

Translation: Original language included.

Translation Comments:

Geopolitical Region(s): England;

County/Region: Suffolk

Apparatus: Index Glossary Facsimile Introduction

Comments:

This chronicle, written by Jocelin de Brakelond, a monk at Bury St. Edmund’s, sketches the history of the monastery from 1173 to 1202. It begins with a summary of the state of the monastery under Abbot Hugh before moving on to its main subject: the history and government of Abbot Samson de Totington. This source is of particular interest for its detailed portrayal of ordinary incidents, which allows historians to study not only monastic establishments and disputes but also the language, manners and customs of twelfth century England.

The text is given in the original Latin. Although the abbreviations have been expanded, the editor has decided not to correct scribal errors in the text, preferring instead point them out in his notes (pp. 105-156).

Introduction Summary:

The preface (pp. v-xi) gives a biographical sketch of Jocelyn, and outlines the value of his chronicle as a historical source before defending the choice to edit the Harleian MS for publication.

Cataloger: SES