Major Medieval English Texts and Historical Documents

Foundational Texts and Documents of Medieval England

The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle

The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle is a collection of historical records written in Old English. It covers events from the departure of the Romans up to 1150, spanning the period of King Alfred's reign and beyond.

A number of scribes created and distributed copies to various monarchs. Annual entries were written and distributed, serving as a vital form of news dissemination. It was written in Old English (OE). West Saxon became the standard language used to express Anglo-Saxon culture and history.

The Epic Poem Beowulf

The epic poem Beowulf, written in Old English, originated as an oral poem. It was later elaborated by various poets and bards. The only surviving text is a manuscript written around the year 1000. The poem represents West Saxon ideals and community values.

The story centers on a great hero from Denmark. Though he has no historical record, he was idealized in the text, representing the Germanic origins of England. It depicts a heroic world where God exists.

The Arthurian Myth: Le Morte d'Arthur

Thomas Malory (1485)

The story of King Arthur originated in Wales and spread to French Britain. Camelot, King Arthur's castle and court, was a 12th-century literary recreation.

Key elements of the myth include:

• King Arthur, the chosen one, a child adopted by someone, who was also a real king.
• The magical items: Excalibur and the Lady of the Lake.
• Merlin, Arthur's advisor.
• The Knights of the Round Table: Sir Lancelot, Galahad, Gawain, Percebal, and Tristan.
• Arch-enemy Morgan le Fay, Arthur's half-sister and mother of his son, Mordred.
• The search for the Holy Grail.
• The crisis involving Lancelot and Guinevere.
• Arthur's last battle, where he is defeated by his son.
• His final rest: He sleeps on the Isle of Avalon.

Magna Carta (1215)

The Magna Carta was the first document forced upon an English King by a group of his subjects, the feudal barons, attempting to limit his powers by law and protect their privileges. It was preceded and directly influenced by the Charter of Liberties in 1100, in which King Henry I had specified particular areas wherein his powers would be limited.

During the course of King John's reign, a combination of higher taxes, unsuccessful wars, and conflict with the Pope had made him unpopular with his barons. Some barons began to conspire against him in 1209 and 1212; promises made to the northern barons and John's submission to the papacy in 1213 delayed a French invasion.

Key Provisions of the Magna Carta

The document contained a large section now called Clause 61. This section established a committee of 25 barons who could at any time meet and overrule the will of the King if he defied the provisions of the Charter, seizing his castles and possessions if necessary.

Other significant clauses include:

• Clause 1: The freedom of the English Church.
• Clause 2: Relief (feudal payment).
• Clause 7: Provisions regarding the heir, the son, and the widow (ensuring they receive their due).
• Clause 13: Protecting the liberties of the City of London.
• Clause 20: Defining penalties for trivial offenses.
• Clause 38: Requiring evidence for trivial accusations.
• Clause 39: Guaranteeing no punishment without trial (due process).
• Clause 40: Ensuring justice will not be delayed.

Note: The text mentions social mobility, which historically increased following events like the Black Death, though this is separate from the specific clauses of the 1215 Charter.