Appendix - A Thirteenth-Century Précis of the Deeds of the Abbots of St Albans: British Library, MS Cotton Vitellius a XX

Summary

[fo. 74ra]

¶ Willegod, the first abbot. He was chosen by King Offa the founder of this church, with whose support he governed it most nobly.

¶ Abbot Adric succeeded him. He was chosen from the bosom of his church. He laudably steered the church through much dissension.

¶ Wulsius succeeded him. He was from a line of kings. He changed both the colour and shape of the habit.

¶ Wulnot succeeded him. He became worse than his predecessor. In his last days he offered up the worthy fruits of penitence.

¶ Edfrid succeeded him. He was drawn from Saxon origins. It is said that the beginning of his prelacy he wasted profitlessly. He resigned the crozier, the burden and honour, before his death.

¶ Wulsin succeeded him. He was pious, well-ordered in life; he shone brightly in spiritual and temporal affairs.

¶ Alfric succeeded him. After many laudable works, full of days and holiness, he passed over to the Lord.

¶ Aldred succeeded him. When he had gathered a quantity of stones and roof-tiles, he died.

¶ Admar succeeded him. After much time he did not begin the work of this church. He left the church very much compromised by debt.

¶ Leofric succeeded him. He was raised to the archbishopric of Canterbury; he honoured the sons of Alban in many ways.

¶ Ælfric succeeded him. Instructed in a vision, he composed the history that is now sung.

¶ Leofstan succeeded him. To the damnation of his church he granted the manor of Flamstead [fo. 74rb] to a certain knight.

XIII. ¶ Frederick succeeded him. He was drawn from Danish origins. In his time England was conquered by the Normans. He seised the abbot of Westminster of the manor of Aldenham for 20 years, renting the same for a given year 100 shillings and four pastured oxen. When twenty years had passed he did not want to resign the said manor, propped up by the support of the king.

XIV. ¶ Paul succeeded him. He was a close relative of Archbishop Lanfranc. This one restored the church of St Alban with the help of the said Lanfranc.