Anglo-Saxon Chronicle

Overview

When was it written?

The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle was written in various monasteries in England over a period of several centuries, from the 9th to the 12th century. The earliest known version of the Chronicle was created in the late 9th century during the reign of Alfred the Great, king of Wessex.

The Chronicle survives in several different manuscripts, the oldest of which is known as the Parker Chronicle or the Winchester Chronicle, which was created in the mid-11th century. Other surviving versions include the Abingdon Chronicle, the Worcester Chronicle, and the Peterborough Chronicle. These manuscripts were likely created in the monasteries where they were written, although their exact origins are not always clear.

How accurate is it?

The accuracy of the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle can vary depending on the time period and the events being described. The early entries in the Chronicle, which cover the period before the 9th century, are often based on oral traditions and earlier written sources, which may be less reliable. However, as the Chronicle progresses and becomes more contemporary, the accuracy of its accounts generally improves.

The Chronicle is generally considered to be a valuable historical source, as it provides a detailed and comprehensive account of many important events in Anglo-Saxon England. However, like any historical document, it is subject to interpretation and analysis, and some of its accounts may be biased or incomplete.

Additionally, the Chronicle was not intended to be a completely objective account of history. Its authors were monks, and their accounts often reflect their religious and political perspectives. For example, they may portray certain rulers or events in a more favorable or unfavorable light depending on their relationship with the ruling dynasty or the Church.

First page of the E version (Peterborough Chronicle/Laud MS) of the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle

The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle(s)

As previously stated, there are seven different version of the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. The oldest and most famous of these manuscripts is the Parker Chronicle or Winchester Chronicle, which was created in the mid-11th century. This version of the Chronicle was named after Matthew Parker, a 16th-century archbishop who discovered the manuscript in the library of Corpus Christi College, Cambridge. The Parker Chronicle covers the period from the arrival of the Saxons in England in the 5th century to the year 1079, and provides a detailed and comprehensive account of many important events in Anglo-Saxon history.

The Abingdon Chronicle is another important manuscript that makes up the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. It was created in the late 10th century in the town of Abingdon, and covers the period from the arrival of the Saxons to the year 1006. The Abingdon Chronicle is notable for its focus on local events and its detailed descriptions of battles and military campaigns.

The Worcester Chronicle is a third manuscript that makes up the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. It was created in the late 11th century in the city of Worcester, and covers the period from the arrival of the Saxons to the year 1079. The Worcester Chronicle is known for its detailed and sometimes idiosyncratic accounts of events, as well as its inclusion of unique material not found in other versions of the Chronicle.

Finally, the Peterborough Chronicle is a fourth manuscript that makes up the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. It was created in the late 12th century in the abbey of Peterborough, and covers the period from the arrival of the Saxons to the year 1154. The Peterborough Chronicle is notable for its detailed accounts of the reigns of William the Conqueror and his successors, as well as its inclusion of unique material not found in other versions of the Chronicle.

First page of the E version (Peterborough Chronicle/Laud MS) of the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle

The Chronicles

As previously stated, there are seven different version of the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. The oldest and most famous of these manuscripts is the Parker Chronicle or Winchester Chronicle, which was created in the mid-11th century. This version of the Chronicle was named after Matthew Parker, a 16th-century archbishop who discovered the manuscript in the library of Corpus Christi College, Cambridge. The Parker Chronicle covers the period from the arrival of the Saxons in England in the 5th century to the year 1079, and provides a detailed and comprehensive account of many important events in Anglo-Saxon history.

The Abingdon Chronicle is another important manuscript that makes up the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. It was created in the late 10th century in the town of Abingdon, and covers the period from the arrival of the Saxons to the year 1006. The Abingdon Chronicle is notable for its focus on local events and its detailed descriptions of battles and military campaigns.

The Worcester Chronicle is a third manuscript that makes up the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. It was created in the late 11th century in the city of Worcester, and covers the period from the arrival of the Saxons to the year 1079. The Worcester Chronicle is known for its detailed and sometimes idiosyncratic accounts of events, as well as its inclusion of unique material not found in other versions of the Chronicle.

Finally, the Peterborough Chronicle is a fourth manuscript that makes up the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. It was created in the late 12th century in the abbey of Peterborough, and covers the period from the arrival of the Saxons to the year 1154. The Peterborough Chronicle is notable for its detailed accounts of the reigns of William the Conqueror and his successors, as well as its inclusion of unique material not found in other versions of the Chronicle.