Book Two - Chapter 10

Of a certain knight named William [evidently an error for "Randulphus"]

A CERTAIN knight, Ralph by name, of the family of William of Munfichet, while passing through Essex on his way to London, by the judgement of God on his journey was seized by a devil and, being rendered senseless, was brought to an evil frame of mind. Wherefore straightway he leapt raving from the horse whereon he had sat and rent his garments in pieces, scattered the coins he was carrying, and began to assault with stones those whom he met. And wandering about, at one time in the woods and at another on the hills, at times even by his impetuous onslaught on the crowds that came against him caused them danger or the fear of danger. He was at last taken, though resisting much, brought to the same church, and after passing two nights therein he became sane.

 

The Book of the Foundation of St. Bartholomew's, Smithfield Rendered into Modern English from the original Latin version preserved in the British Museum, numbered Vespasian B. IX, by Mr. Humphrey H. King and Mr. William Barnard for use in the Records of St. Bartholomew's Priory by E.A. Webb.

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