Liber Eliensis

The Liber Eliensis (also Historia Eliensis; German: Book of Ely or history of Ely ) is a work which the history of the monastery of Ely the foundation around the year 673, when it was written to the late 12th century, in describes Latin.

The thesis that it is the author is Richard the monks and / or Thomas is no longer represented as very unlikely. Presumably, the writer was unable to complete his work. The last 25 chapters of the third book of style from soft and act as if they had been added by another author.

Besides the history of Ely Abbey and stories from the life of the monastery 's founder and first abbess Æthelthryth (St. Audrey ) and other saints, the book gives insight into the social structure, culture, belief in miracles and religious cult of the Middle Ages. The author was able to draw in the drafting of the book in the 12th century on older hagiographies, documents and certificates. It is still seen by "modern" historians with a certain skepticism for content.

Literature and issues

• Janet Fairweather ( translator's ): Liber Eliensis. A History of the Isle of Ely from the Seventh Century to the Twelfth, compiled by a Monk of Ely in the Twelfth Century, Boydell, Woodbridge 2005, ISBN 978-1-84383-015-3. (English) Online ( excerpts)
• Ernest Oscar Blake: Liber Eliensis, Royal Historical Society, London 1962 ( Latin, some Old English ).