Ranulf Higden Paintings


Ranulf Higden was not an artist in the traditional sense of the term, but rather a medieval English chronicler and a Benedictine monk of the monastery of St. Werburgh in Chester. He is most renowned for his work 'Polychronicon', a universal history of the world from the creation until his own time. Though he is not known for visual arts, his contributions to historical writing and the transmission of knowledge during the Middle Ages were significant.

Born around 1280, little is known about Higden's early life before he entered monastic life. He likely received a comprehensive education in the liberal arts, theology, and possibly law, which was common for men of his station and era before taking monastic vows.

Higden's 'Polychronicon' was widely popular during the Middle Ages and was one of the most important historical texts of the period. It was initially written in Latin and later translated into English by John Trevisa on the request of Thomas Berkeley, 5th Baron Berkeley. The 'Polychronicon' not only chronicled historical events but also described the geography, peoples, and customs of the known world, albeit with a Eurocentric and sometimes mythical perspective. It became a primary source of historical knowledge for subsequent generations and was one of the earliest printed books in England, appearing in several editions after the introduction of the printing press.

The 'Polychronicon' has been used as a source by later historians and continues to be valued for its detailed account of English history, as well as its insights into medieval thought and the world view of the time. Higden's work provides a window into the medieval mind, its credulity, and its appetite for wonder, which was characteristic of historical writing of his era.

Ranulf Higden passed away in 1364 after a life dedicated to monastic scholarship. His legacy lives on through his writings, which have been invaluable for historians studying the Middle Ages. Though not an artist, his artistry with words has painted a vivid picture of the world as it was perceived during his lifetime.