DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.6886#0046
u HISTORY OF
mentioned as well known at that time, and states Ordbrihtus to be the name of
the existing abbot. Nor does conjecture exercise an unreasonable power in as-
signing a space of fifty previous years to its establishment*. This age is also re-
markable for the number of monasteries erected in the kingdom during the course
of it; the devotion of those times running very much into similar foundations.
* Mathew Paris, who lived in the thirteenth century, in his book of the Lives of the Abbots of
St. Alban's, makes great complaint against certain abbots of Westminster, as if, under pretence of
becoming tenants, they had obtained possession, and then defrauded the Abbey of St. Alban's, of the
manor of Aldenham, to which it of right belonged. It must be acknowledged, therefore, if this ac-
count is considered as relating an authentic transaction, that it will consequently affect the credit of the
charter of King Offa, and weaken the argument which has been deduced from it, respecting the ear-
liest foundation of the Church of Westminster. It may, however, be confidently observed, that there
was a lawsuit between these two monasteries concerning the estate at Aldenham ; and Mathew Paris
himself, who was a monk of St. Alban's, does not denj', that his abbey lost the cause. It may also be
contended, that this charter is beautifully written, on a scrip of parchment, in the hand of those times,
and bears no discoverable marks of forgery. Besides, it may be added, that, according to the Domes-
day Survey, this manor did, at that time, and some time before it, belong to the Church of Westminster.
Indeed, it appears, by the Confessor's charter, that Aldenham was among the possessions of the church
previous to his own grants. Nevertheless, doubts have been entertained respecting the authenticity
of the charter; which, however, seem to be chiefly supported by the suspicion attendant on the
period from the abbacy of Ordbright to Wulsinus ; that is, from 760 to 960, on account of the great
dearth of history during that time.
The charter of Edgar has a suspicious circumstance connected with it, as it is dated in the year
951, and historians seem to agree, that Edgar did not come to the kingdom, or any part of it, before
the year 957. Flete, however, has copied it, and as the phrase and handwriting are evidently of that
time, and nothing in the substance or matter of it which can be fairly objected to, it is scarce stretch-
ing a point to suppose, that the anachronism is a negligence of the scribe. But, supposing it even
to be spurious, it answers the purpose for which it has been produced ; there being nothing in the ori-
ginal that bears allusion to the early foundation, or miraculous consecration, of the church. A clause
to the latter effect, and which has been already mentioned, was artfully inserted in the copy.
mentioned as well known at that time, and states Ordbrihtus to be the name of
the existing abbot. Nor does conjecture exercise an unreasonable power in as-
signing a space of fifty previous years to its establishment*. This age is also re-
markable for the number of monasteries erected in the kingdom during the course
of it; the devotion of those times running very much into similar foundations.
* Mathew Paris, who lived in the thirteenth century, in his book of the Lives of the Abbots of
St. Alban's, makes great complaint against certain abbots of Westminster, as if, under pretence of
becoming tenants, they had obtained possession, and then defrauded the Abbey of St. Alban's, of the
manor of Aldenham, to which it of right belonged. It must be acknowledged, therefore, if this ac-
count is considered as relating an authentic transaction, that it will consequently affect the credit of the
charter of King Offa, and weaken the argument which has been deduced from it, respecting the ear-
liest foundation of the Church of Westminster. It may, however, be confidently observed, that there
was a lawsuit between these two monasteries concerning the estate at Aldenham ; and Mathew Paris
himself, who was a monk of St. Alban's, does not denj', that his abbey lost the cause. It may also be
contended, that this charter is beautifully written, on a scrip of parchment, in the hand of those times,
and bears no discoverable marks of forgery. Besides, it may be added, that, according to the Domes-
day Survey, this manor did, at that time, and some time before it, belong to the Church of Westminster.
Indeed, it appears, by the Confessor's charter, that Aldenham was among the possessions of the church
previous to his own grants. Nevertheless, doubts have been entertained respecting the authenticity
of the charter; which, however, seem to be chiefly supported by the suspicion attendant on the
period from the abbacy of Ordbright to Wulsinus ; that is, from 760 to 960, on account of the great
dearth of history during that time.
The charter of Edgar has a suspicious circumstance connected with it, as it is dated in the year
951, and historians seem to agree, that Edgar did not come to the kingdom, or any part of it, before
the year 957. Flete, however, has copied it, and as the phrase and handwriting are evidently of that
time, and nothing in the substance or matter of it which can be fairly objected to, it is scarce stretch-
ing a point to suppose, that the anachronism is a negligence of the scribe. But, supposing it even
to be spurious, it answers the purpose for which it has been produced ; there being nothing in the ori-
ginal that bears allusion to the early foundation, or miraculous consecration, of the church. A clause
to the latter effect, and which has been already mentioned, was artfully inserted in the copy.