Gerald of Wales was born
in about 1147 at Mamobier Castle, Pembrokeshire. His father was a
Norman knight, and his mother a Welsh princess. After his studies
he became a teacher in Paris. Later he was appointed Court Chaplain
to King Henry
II.
In 1185 Henry ordered Gerald
to accompany Prince John to Ireland. He wrote about these experiences
in his books, The Topography of Ireland
and The Conquest of Ireland. Gerald
was particularly interested in the military tactics used by both sides.
Although Gerald was critical of the Irish his book shows concern for
the way they were treated by John's army. Gerald also showed considerable
sympathy for the Welsh in his book Description
of Wales.
In 1198 Gerald was elected
as bishop of St. David's in Wales. However, Richard the Lionheart's
officials, aware of Gerald's pro-Welsh opinions, did not allow him
to take up the post. Gerald was offered several senior church posts
in
England but he refused and spent the rest of his life writing books.
These included Concerning the Instruction
of a Prince, a book that was highly critical of Henry
II, Richard
the Lionheart and King John.
Gerald of Wales died in about 1223.
The
Normans: Classroom Activities
(1)
Gerald of Wales, Concerning the Instruction of a Prince (c.
1190)
The Count of Flanders caused a quintain to be set up in the
market place. This quintain was a strong shield firmly hung to a post.
On it, those who wanted to be knights and strong young men might practice
warlike sports. They rode at it at full gallop, and tried their strength,
either by breaking their lances, or by piercing through the shield.
(2)
Gerald
of Wales, Journey Through
Wales (1188)
The island of Anglesey...
produces far more grain than any other part of Wales. In the Welsh
language it has always been called "Mon Mam Cymru", which
means "Mona the Mother of Wales". When crops have failed
in all other regions, this island, from the richness of its soil and
its abundant produce, has been able to supply all Wales.
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