Medieval English Events and Mysteries

Overview

This lecture covers significant medieval English events and mysteries, including the White Ship disaster, the fate of Edward II, Spearhafoc's rise and disappearance, the Great Heathen Army, the green children of Woolpit, Cloves Hoe councils, and the legend of the Christchurch dragon.

The White Ship Disaster (1120)

• King Henry I’s only legitimate son, William Adeline, died in the White Ship wreck en route to England.
• The ship’s passengers, including nobles and crew, were drunk and urged the captain to sail recklessly.
• The ship struck a submerged rock near Barfleur, killing nearly all 300 aboard; only a butcher named Berold survived.
• The disaster led to a succession crisis as Henry’s only legitimate heir was his daughter, Empress Matilda.
• Upon Henry’s death in 1135, Matilda’s claim was challenged, leading to “the Anarchy,” a long civil war.
• The period ended when Stephen agreed to name Matilda’s son, Henry II, as his heir, starting the Plantagenet dynasty.

The Death and Mystery of Edward II

• Edward II was deposed in 1327 after losing support due to failed leadership and unpopular favorites.
• He died, allegedly murdered in Berkeley Castle, with stories of a gruesome red-hot poker execution later debunked by historians.
• Persistent rumors claimed Edward II escaped and lived as a hermit in Europe; some evidence suggests this might be true.
• Edward III’s possible secret meeting with his father remains unresolved, and the identity of Edward’s burial is still debated.

Spearhafoc: The Goldsmith Bishop

• Spearhafoc, a talented monk and goldsmith, rose to become abbot and then bishop-elect of London due to royal favor.
• His appointment was blocked by the Archbishop due to suspected simony (buying church office).
• After political turmoil, Spearhafoc fled England with royal treasures, never to be seen again.

The Great Heathen Army (865–879)

• A large Viking coalition invaded England, aiming for conquest rather than mere raids.
• Commanders included sons of legendary Ragnar Lothbrok; motivations were more about wealth and land than vengeance.
• The Vikings conquered several Anglo-Saxon kingdoms but were stopped by Alfred the Great at Wessex.
• The army likely numbered several thousand skilled fighters at its peak, not tens of thousands as medieval sources claimed.
• The invasion led to the Danelaw in eastern England and lasting Norse influence.

The Green Children of Woolpit

• In the 12th century, two green-skinned children speaking an unknown language were found in Woolpit, Suffolk.
• The girl survived, eventually integrating into English society, and claimed they came from "St. Martin’s Land," a perpetual twilight place.
• Modern theories suggest they were malnourished Flemish children, explaining their appearance and language.

The Councils of Cloves Hoe

• Cloves Hoe was a major site for 8th–9th century English church-state councils; its location is now lost.
• The 747 Council standardized English religious practices and enforced stricter clergy discipline.
• Later, Cloves Hoe saw attempts to reorganize church hierarchy, but its use faded after the 9th century.

The Christchurch Dragon Legend

• In 1113, monks seeking shelter were refused by Christchurch Abbey; a miracle and, later, a dragon attack followed.
• Later accounts added miraculous healing and a fire-breathing dragon; original reports described a lightning strike as divine punishment.
• The legend symbolizes Christian charity and possibly recalls actual historic events like fires or Viking raids.

Key Terms & Definitions

• Simony — The buying or selling of ecclesiastical privileges or offices.
• The Anarchy — Civil war in England (1135–1153) over succession after Henry I’s death.
• Danelaw — Regions of England under Viking control in the 9th–11th centuries.
• Cloves Hoe — A now-lost site for early medieval English church-state councils.

Action Items / Next Steps

• Review the significance of the White Ship disaster for English succession.
• Study key personalities: Henry I, Matilda, Stephen, Alfred the Great, Edward II.
• Research the historical context of Viking invasions and their impact on England.
• Reflect on how folklore and historical events intertwine in medieval narratives.