Geoffrey of Monmouth
Writer, historian and cleric, Geoffrey of Monmouth is best known for writing a history of the kings of Britain that historicized the Arthur of legend. He may have been a teacher, and he became Bishop of Asaph in 1152.
Probably from Monmouth, and possibly of Breton descent, Geoffrey spent much of his life in Oxford. In the 1130s he began publishing parts of the Historia regum Britanniae (the "History of the Kings of Britain"), a comprehensive yet highly suspect chronicle of Britain's history from its settlement by Brutus the Trojan to Arthur's reign.
Almost as soon as it was published, Geoffrey's History was discredited by more responsible historians. Too much is unsubstantiated or fantastical, including the story of how Brutus and Corineus, founder of Cornwall, exterminated the "giants" who inhabited Britain.
Geoffrey claimed to have based the chapters on Arthur on a "certain very ancient book written in the British language," which has never been found or positively identified. The numerous details about Arthur, Merlin and the Knights of the Round Table may have been collected from tales circulating about the legendary king during Geoffrey's lifetime, and some appear adopted from Celtic mythology. Geoffrey's placement of Arthur within the line of British monarchs is not substantiated by any earlier documentary source.
However, The History of the Kings of Britain proved a powerful influence on the poets of the day, inspiring such greats as Chrétien de Troyes and Thomas Mallory to write extraordinary romances about the legendary king. And despite its lack of historical value, Geoffrey's work would become one of the most popular books of the Middle Ages, particularly among later British monarchs such as the Tudors.
In addition to his History, Geoffrey wrote the Vita Merlini, a poem about Arthur's advisor Merlin that is clearly based on a Celtic story about a prophetic madman. At the end of this poem, Geoffrey reveals his desire for recognition and his pride in his heritage -- as well as a possible motive for fabricating his History:
So, Britons, give a laurel wreath to Geoffrey of Monmouth. He is indeed your Geoffrey, for he once sang of your battles and those of your princes, and he wrote a book which is now known as the 'Deeds of the Britons'--and they are celebrated throughout the world.
From Your Guide
The Truth of Arthur
An introduction to the historicity of Arthur and Geoffrey's role in it.
On the Web
In Print
Related Resources
King Arthur
Explore the rich resources of Arthurian art and literature available on the web in these links gathered by your Guide.Historical King Arthur
The search for the "real King Arthur" continues at these sites that offer primary sources, archaeological evidence and intriguing theories.Dark-Age Britain
Gain some insight into the time and place most likely to have been home to Arthur with these resources for the study of Britain in Late Antiquity.Medieval Britain
Focusing primarily on Medieval England, but touching on the other portions of Britain affecting and affected by the English, the sites in these directories offer general British history throughout the Middle Ages.
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