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Gerald of Wales; Giraldus Cambrensis , archdeacon of Brecon (Gerald of Wales; Giraldus Cambrensis; Gerald de Barry)
Born: c. 1146 Died: 1220x1223
Author and ecclesiastic.
Gerald's father, William de Barry, was a knightly vassal of the earls of Pembroke, but through his mother Gerald was related to the native Welsh princes for his grandmother, Nest, was the daughter of Rhys ap Tewdwr of Deheubarth. Accordingly, Gerald was related to Rhys ap Gruffudd, the Lord Rhys (d. 1197), who was the chief representative of the Deheubarth line in the later twelfth century. Gerald was educated at St Peter's Abbey, Gloucester, and in the schools of Paris. In 1176 he was made archdeacon of Brecon and had hoped to succeed his uncle as bishop of St David's but his intentions were thwarted by Henry II who opposed the appointment of one so closely connected with the native princes of South Wales. Gerald resumed his studies in Paris, visited Ireland and in 1184 Henry II took him into royal service. During this time he acted as an envoy for he princes of Wales, accompanied Prince John to Ireland and in 1188 joined Archbishop Baldwin who preached the Crusade around Wales. Gerald also produced a number of literary works, notably, the Topographia Hibernica [The Topography of Ireland], the Expugnatio Hibernica [The Conquest of Ireland], Itinerarium Cambriae [The Journey through Wales], and Descriptio Cambriae [The Description of Wales]. These provide a wealth of detail on the customs and habits of the Irish and Welsh and are a rich source for twelfth-century history. After Gerald left royal service, c. 1196, he continued to write and until 1203 dedicated himself to securing the bishopric of St David's which he sought to elevate to an archiepiscopal seat. Failure to do so left Gerald embittered. In his later years he wrote prodigiously, his works often critical, acerbic and self-justifying. Gerald died between 1220 and 1223, perhaps in Lincoln.
Gerald of Wales (Giraldus Cambrensis), 'Giraldi Cambresensis Opera'Rolls Series 21 8 vols ed.J. S. Brewer, J. F. Dimock and G. F. Warner (London 1861-1891)
