history of the kings of britain by geoffrey of monmouth

In 1152, Geoffrey became Bishop of St Asaph, consecrated by Archbishop Theobald of Bec at Lambeth. He is thought to have spent most of his life outside Wales, as his name appears on several charters in the Oxfordshire area. Geoffrey of Monmouth, thought to have been born in Wales around 1100, was a monk as well as an influential scholar. This popularity far surpassed expectation and subsequently the Latin text was translated into several other languages, allowing the book to become an important source for many well into the sixteenth century. The book proved to be extremely popular with its medieval audience. Historia Regum Britanniae, by Geoffrey of Monmouth The Matter of Britain refers to the collection of medieval literary works which depict legend and mythology, entwined with tales of heroism and patriotism, which exemplifies this genre of literature.Īs a medieval source, the text has great value and although it may prove to be fictitious and highly misrepresentative of the facts, the book provides an interesting insight into the medieval world. Starting with the Trojan founding of the British Isles and following the trail of those in power until the time of the Anglo-Saxons, this body of work forms a vital component of the Matter of Britain. The book charts the rise and fall of the kings of Britain, tracking the tales of conquest, power and success. The Historia Regum Britanniae, translated as ‘The History of the Kings of Britain’ is a medieval text written by Geoffrey of Monmouth around 1136, and is an account of British history laced with fictitious references and tales of drama.

History of the kings of britain by geoffrey of monmouth