Text Box: BROTHER RANULF Benedictine Monk Text Box:                                                     FEUDAL ARCHERS 1135 - 1216 Text Box:                 Text Box: Brother Ranulf is a Benedictine monk. He was born in 1144 on the Manor of Sir Jocelin de Rennes at Harlescotte, Shrewsbury. His father, Bertrand, was steward to Sir Jocelin and his mother was Adeliza, sister of a local wool merchant. As the second son, Ranulf (like Sir Geffrye de Wac) had little expectation of inheriting land or property on his father's death. His parents tried to encourage him to follow his uncle's wool trade, but Ranulf showed little enthusiasm and neglected the education that was offered, preferring to spend time with his childhood sweetheart, Emma, or practising archery at the butts.  Devoted as he was to Emma, his world was shattered when she died of disease soon after their betrothal in 1163. He never again mentioned her name, but her memory haunted him for years to come and he pledged that there would never be any other woman for him. In 1165, Ranulf's elder brother inherited the family holdings and took over Bertrand's stewardship. Ranulf entered military service, not with any conviction but simply to break his family ties. He served as an archer, first with Sir Jocelin and then with King Henry's forces mustered at Shrewsbury for the campaign against the Welsh rebels under Owain Gwynedd. His taste for soldiering was not improved when the campaign ended in a shameful retreat from the marshes and mists of Wales. Ranulf was then posted to garrison duties at several castles, finally ending up at Canterbury. It was here in the Spring of 1169 that Ranulf saw his Emma again, in a vivid dream which seemed more real to him than the cold walls of the castle keep. She appeared radiant and happy, telling him that it was time to seek peace with God, to put aside the things of the world and become a monk. Ranulf realised that his whole life had been leading him to this destination and applied to the Abbott of St Augustine's to become a novice. He took tonsure in 1172, having learned Latin and the skills of a scribe, soon becoming accomplished and renowned for his illuminations. He devoted himself to his new life, singing praise in choir, tending the Abbey gardens or baking bread in the kitchens. Now Ranulf is called upon to school the sons of noblemen and to tutor novices to the order. His skills are employed at St Augustine's and at other Benedictine monasteries. RETURN TO CHARACTER’S INDEX PAGE   HOME