Chapter 1

First it is to show who was the founder of our holy Places and how by grace he was first prior of our priory and for how long he so continued.

RAHERE of pious memory founded this church in honour of the most blessed Bartholomew the Apostle, and gathered together religious men who should serve God there, after the rule of the most holy father Augustin, and ruled over them for twenty-two years, filling the office and dignity of prior. Having but slightly applied himself to the knowledge of liberal arts, but -- that which is more eminent than all knowledge -- being endowed with purity of conscience, he strove towards God with devotion, towards his brethren with humility, and towards his foes with a certain goodwill. And the proved sincerity of his mind, the conspicuous honour and probity of his conduct, his remarkable assiduity in divine service, and his prudent care in administering temporal business were worthy of praise. In feasts he was sober, a remarkable follower of hospitality, timely recognizing, patiently aiding and effectively dealing with the tribulations of the wretched and the necessities of the poor. Not elated in prosperity, patient in adversity, and if any misfortune occurred to him he sat beneath the shadow of his patron whom he venerated and whom he embraced with all his soul, and by whose help he was safe in all dangers. Thus, providing with all humility and the greatest diligence all things necessary for the flock subject to him, he daily increased in favour with God and man -- adding for his place reverence, for his friends gladness, for the malicious pain, for those who came after him glory. And such indeed was his life after his conversion.

But of what kind he was before and in what order he laid the foundations of this most holy Temple, let us show in a few words as they testified to us who saw him and took part in his works and conversations, of whom some have fallen asleep in Christ, some are alive to this day and are witnesses of those things we are about to relate.

 

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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