Giraldus Duo

The Giraldus Duo have taken their name from the medieval Welsh cleric and polymath, Giraldus Cambrensis from the Latin, meaning ‘Gerald of Wales.’  Born in around 1146 into a well-to-do noble family – his father, William de Barri was a leading Welsh nobleman – he followed his uncle into religious life, becoming, for a time, the royal clerk and chaplain to Henry II of England.  He was exceptionally well educated having studied canon law and theology, but it was perhaps, his travel writings that have proved his lasting legacy.  Written on various journeys and military expeditions between c1184-c1195, they provide interesting insight into everyday medieval life and his two books on Wales, are considered by some scholars to be the most important.  Commenting on places visited, historical aspects, geographical features, natural history including the local flora and fauna, cultural relationships and languages, anecdotes about the Christian church in Wales – the list goes on.  His scholarly accounts, written in Latin, provide an invaluable historical source into late 12th century medieval life.  Giraldus Cambrensis died in about 1223 – his primary disappointment in life – being that he had been denied the bishopric of St David’s in Pembrokeshire, perhaps, in a vain attempt by Henry II, to thwart any ascendancy of St David’s over Canterbury and a growing importance of the people of Wales.