Robert Mannyng
Robert Mannyng was an English poet and Gilbertine monk born around 1264. He began his scholarly pursuits at the University of Cambridge at the age of twenty-four and later spent fifteen years at Sempringham Priory in Lincolnshire. Mannyng is best known for his major poetic work, "Handlying Synne," which consists of approximately thirteen thousand lines and serves as an adaptation of William of Waddington's "Manuel des Peches." This work explores themes such as the Ten Commandments, the seven deadly sins, and various aspects of Christian teachings, all written in rhymed couplets. Notably, Mannyng wrote in English during a time when Latin and Anglo-Norman were more common, contributing to the development of Middle English and the incorporation of French vocabulary into the English language. Around 1338, he completed another poetic piece titled "The Story of England," aimed primarily at entertainment rather than serious religious instruction. Mannyng's literary contributions are considered significant in the evolution of the English language, and he is thought to have passed away around 1340, having dedicated his life to the church and literary pursuits.
On this Page
Subject Terms
Robert Mannyng
Monk
- Born: fl. 1330
- Birthplace: Brunne (or Bourne), Kesteven, Lincolnshire, England
- Died: c. 1340
Biography
Robert Mannyng was born in England around 1264. At the age of twenty-four he was studying at Cambridge. He also was a Gilbertine monk for fifteen years at Sempringham priory, Lincolnshire, where he began work on the large poetic work Handlying Synne, consisting of about thirteen thousand lines.
Handlying Synne, written in rhymed couplets, was an adaptation of Manuel des Peches (handbook of sins) by William of Waddington. Mannyng’s work gives examples of the Ten Commandments, the seven deadly sins, the sacraments, and other religions epithets and stories. As part of a growing trend in the fourteenth century, Mannyng wrote in English, as opposed to Latin or Anglo-Norman.
Around 1338 Mannyng completed The Story of England, another poetic work. The Story of England was not necessarily meant for a serious religious audience; rather it was primarily written for entertainment.
The most important aspect of Mannyng’s work was that he did in fact write in English. He was also responsible for helping to introduce some French words into the English language. Mannyng’s work is generally regarded as one of the starting points of New English derived from Old English and slightly closer to contemporary English.
Mannyng spent the rest of his life working with the church. It is believed that he may have written a third work, but evidence of such is debatable. Mannyng is believed to have died sometime around 1340.