A former prior of Belvoir, Roger of Wendover (d.1236) established himself as a chronicler at St Albans. This three-volume work, edited by Henry G. Hewlett (1832-97) and published between 1886 and 1889, comprises the latter part of the larger Flores opus and the part of the Latin text for which Wendover can claim direct responsibility. Volume 2 concerns the years 1204-30 and covers the greater part of King John's reign and Henry III's early years on the throne. While Wendover is often criticised for his shortcomings as a historian, his candour in treating the 'abominable misrule' of John's reign is noteworthy. His true importance, however, is as a key influence on his historiographical successor, Matthew Paris, whose political outlook and interests he helped to shape.
