Geoffrey BakerThe Parish Priest of Swinbrook
Date of Birth: .
|
Content:
- Geoffrey Le Baker: A Medieval Chronicler
- "Chronicon Angliae"
- Style and Accuracy
- Parish Priest and Chronicler
Geoffrey Le Baker: A Medieval Chronicler
Geoffrey Le Baker was a notable parish priest from Swinbrook, Oxfordshire, and a renowned chronicler. He is best known for his "Chronicon Angliae temporibus Edwardi II et Edwardi III", commissioned by Sir Thomas Moore of Northmoor.
"Chronicon Angliae"
Baker's chronicle, spanning the years 1303-1356, is a valuable historical record. He began compiling the work around 1350 and completed it in 1358. His sources included the recollections of Thomas Moore and excerpts from the chronicle of Adam Murimuth.
Style and Accuracy
Baker's writing style was characterized by vivid descriptions and an inclination for exaggeration. Some researchers have noted inaccuracies in his work, attributing them to his tendency to embellish events and his reliance on anecdotal evidence.
Parish Priest and Chronicler
Baker's role as a parish priest and a chronicler intertwined. His proximity to the events he witnessed and his access to first-hand accounts contributed to the richness of his historical narratives. While his "Chronicon Angliae" may contain some embellishments, it remains an indispensable source for understanding the political and social landscape of 14th-century England.