The Maire of Bristowe is Kalendar

The Maire of Bristowe is Kalendar
Frontispiece of 1872 transcription of The Maire of Bristowe is Kalendar by the Camden Society
AuthorRobert Ricart
SubjectHistory of Bristol
Publication date
circa 1490
Publication placeEngland
Media typemanuscript

The Maire of Bristowe is Kalendar (Ricart's Calendar) is a book compiled in the late 15th century by Robert Ricart, town clerk of Bristol, England. The work consists of six parts giving a history of England and of the city of Bristol, a list of civic officers, and details of local customs and ceremonies.[1] Commissioned by mayor William Spencer, the Kalendar was started circa 1478–79.[2] Scribed on vellum, separated by leaves of parchment, the book was reproduced in print in the 19th century for Lucy Toulmin Smith's edition, which omitted some content.[3] It is regarded as one of the earliest examples of a town chronicle outside London.[4]

Little is known of Ricart, apart from his office as town clerk and the possibility that he was a merchant, also known as Robert Ricardes. He also appears to have authored parts of the Great Red Book of Bristol, as well as the Little White Book.[5] Both books contain references to his being common clerk and as a witness.[6] His entries in the Kalendar date from 1479 until 1506.[7]

The Kalendar is held at the Bristol Archives in Hotwells, Bristol. The original is fragile, but the contents may be viewed by microfiche.[8]

  1. ^ Toulmin Smith, pp.iii-xiv
  2. ^ Fleming, p 310, 315
  3. ^ Fleming, p 290
  4. ^ Loades, David (2008). "Literature and National Identity". In Loewenstein, D; Mueller, J. (eds.). The Cambridge History of Modern English Literature. Cambridge University Press. p. 226.
  5. ^ Fleming, pp 307–8
  6. ^ Burgess, Clive (2004). "Ricart, Robert (fl. 1478)". Oxford Dictionary of National Biography. Oxford Dictionary of National Biography (online ed.). Oxford University Press. doi:10.1093/ref:odnb/23473. Retrieved 1 August 2013. (Subscription or UK public library membership required.)
  7. ^ Jones, Dr Evan. "Robert Ricart's Chronicle of Bristol, 1480–1508". The Smugglers' City. Department of History, University of Bristol. Retrieved 1 August 2013.
  8. ^ "Ricart's Maiores Kalendar and The Lord Mayors Calendar 04720". Bristol Record Office Catalogue. Bristol City Council.