Abbreuiacion of Cronicles

Capgrave, John | 1393-1464
John Capgrave was an Augustian friar from Norfolk, England, and a profilic author known for his various works, including saints’ lives, biblical commentaries, theological treatises, and historical writings.
Nova Legenda Angliae and De Illustribus Henricis Nova Legenda Angliae or “The New Legend of England,” is a hagiographical work providing accounts of saints and their lives. The work, titled De Illustribus Henricis or “On Famous Henrys,” is one of Capgrave’s notable contributions, focusing on individuals with the name Henry.
English Abbreuiacion of Cronicles Capgrave is the author of the English Abbreuiacion of Cronicles, written between 1462 and 1463. The work is a historical compilation drawing primarily from Martinus Polonus’s Chronicon Pontificum et Imperatorum and the St. Albans chronicles of Thomas Walsingham.
Arthurian Content In the English Abbreuiacion of Cronicles, Capgrave provides a brief account of Arthur’s conquests and his eventual fate. He narrates Arthur’s being wounded and taken to Avalon, which aligns with the Arthurian tradition of Avalon as the place of Arthur’s rest and potential healing. Capgrave also includes information about the twelfth-century discovery of Arthur’s body at Glastonbury. He mentions Edward III’s interest in the Round Table, which reflects the enduring fascination with the Arthurian legend during the medieval times.
John Capgrave’s contribution to medieval literature, history, and hagiography showcase his diverse interests and intellectual pursuits. While his Arthurian content may be brief, it contributes to the broader tapestry of Arthurian lore in medieval English writings.