The Hermit of Eyton Forest

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The Hermit of Eyton Forest
TheHermitOfEytonForest.jpg
First edition
Author Ellis Peters
Series The Cadfael Chronicles
Genre Mystery novel
Publisher Headline
Publication date
1987
Media typePrint (Hardcover, Paperback), audio book & e-book
Pages224 (Hardcover) 240 (Paperback)
ISBN 0-7472-0037-8
OCLC 604439564
Preceded by The Rose Rent  
Followed by The Confession of Brother Haluin  

The Hermit of Eyton Forest is a medieval mystery novel by Ellis Peters, set in the autumn of 1142. It is the 14th novel in the Cadfael Chronicles and was first published in 1987.

Contents

The mystery is set in the Anarchy, the continuing battles between King Stephen and Empress Maud, now besieged in Oxford Castle. Sheriff Hugh Beringar and Brother Cadfael work together to resolve murder and kidnap, the first done in connection with the anarchy, and the second dealing with property and marriages in 12th century England.

One review at the time of publication referred to the "ever-fascinating Brother Cadfael chronicles", said that author "Peters continues to enthrall", and described the "unpretentious but literate style" of this novel. [1] The story was "Swift-moving, intricate plotting, [with a] richly tapestried background". [1] Another reviewer was less impressed, and said that characters were in the main "glibly superficial: lovers are fair and pure; villains cruel and swarthy." [2] However, they enjoyed the main character, as "Brother Cadfael remains as shrewd and unpredictable as ever." [2] A later reviewer found that this was "a great story." They felt that "Brother Cadfael is more an observer than an actor in this work" but overall, the "bodies and red herrings pile up in a satisfying way before all the puzzles are solved." [2]

Plot summary

On 18 October 1142, Richard Ludel, lord of Eaton manor, dies of wounds sustained at the battle of Lincoln in February 1141. Ludel had appointed Abbot Radulfus of Shrewsbury Abbey as guardian of Ludel's 10 year old son Richard. Brother Paul informs Richard that he is orphaned, and has become lord of Eaton manor. As Richard is a minor, Sheriff Hugh Beringar has charge of the manor lands for King Stephen, with the steward John of Longwood running the manor. His grandmother, Dame Dionisia Ludel, does not believe in education for a lord. Her goal is to marry the boy to Hiltrude, daughter of Fulke Astley, who will inherit the estates on either side of Eaton manor: Wroxeter and Leighton.

Dame Dionisia gives the hermit Cuthred and his helper Hyacinth a disused hermit's chapel. The two are present at the funeral of Richard's father. Otherwise, Cuthred never leaves his hermitage.

In November, Eilmund, forester for the abbey, reports unusual damage in the Eyton Forest, and sends Hyacinth to tell the abbot that this is punishment for Richard being kept at the Abbey. Needing a friend, Richard approaches Hyacinth. They form a pact. Returning to the hermitage, Hyacinth saves Eilmund in Eyton Forest by rolling a fallen willow tree off him. Local men carry Eilmund to his assart. Hyacinth runs ahead to warn Annet, Eilmund's daughter, of his father's injury. She asks Hyacinth to fetch Cadfael to set her father's broken leg.

Hugh Beringar says that the Empress Maud is held under siege in Oxford Castle. The Empress sent a messenger from there to Brian Fitzcount, Lord of Wallingford. The messenger was Renaud Bourchier, whose horse had been found, with empty saddlebags and no sign of the man.

Drogo Bosiet and his groom Warin of Northamptonshire appear at the abbey, hunting a villein named Brand who fled his manor. Abbot Radulfus is not well inclined towards Drogo's mission, and recommends him to the sheriff. After Vespers, Brother Jerome meets with Drogo to tell him his suspicion that Brand is in fact Hyacinth, living under a false identity. Overhearing this and recognising the danger, Richard rides his pony to warn Hyacinth, finding him in the Eyton Forest. Hyacinth goes into hiding, as Richard heads back to the abbey. That day, Cadfael leaves Eilmund's assart and encounters Drogo's horse, then the body of Drogo Bosiet, killed by a knife in his back. In the morning, Hugh Beringar and Cadfael find that Drogo was stabbed as he walked his horse on the forest path en route to the abbey. No knife is found. The abbot mentions Brother Jerome's conversation, revealing that Drogo intended to visit the hermitage, and was probably on his return journey when killed.

Cuthred tells Hugh and Cadfael that Drogo visited him the day before, and he has not seen Hyacinth since. Cuthred met Hyacinth, a beggar at the gates of the Cluniac priory in Northampton, at the end of September. Richard has not been seen in the abbey since the day before, at Vespers. Hugh sets a manhunt for both Richard, suspected to have been kidnapped, and Hyacinth, suspected of murder.

Cadfael talks with Rafe of Coventry, of the Earl of Warwick, who is staying at the abbey. At the alms box, he sees a coin struck with the image of the Empress Matilda, and Rafe comes from Oxford. Cadfael surmises that Rafe has come seeking the murderer of Bourchier, however this is denied. Drogo's son Aymer also arrives at the abbey, only to learn that his father has been killed. He plans to remain in the area for a few days to attempt to find the missing villein before returning home.

Cadfael finds Hyacinth by following Annet as she meets Hyacinth. Annet, Eilmund and Hyacinth bring Cadfael in on their secrets. Annet loves Hyacinth and her father approves it, and together are hiding Hyacinth during this manhunt. Hyacinth was with Annet at the time of the murder. Hyacinth confirms that he is indeed Drogo's escaped villein Brand; he is not safe until Aymer has returned home. Hyacinth describes his bad treatment at Drogo's hands. Drogo left Hyacinth landless, but still wanted him for his skill in fine leather work. Hyacinth ran after he beat the steward when he chanced on him raping a local girl. Cadfael promises to keep Hyacinth's secret, at odds with his promise to Hugh.

Hyacinth seeks Richard at Leighton. Hearing a young woman travelling with her father Astley on horseback in the darkness, he runs ahead of them to find Richard locked in a room. Learning that the hermit Cuthred will act as the priest, Hyacinth persuades Richard to go along with the ceremony. After the marriage ceremony, Richard gains respect for Hiltrude; he says why he agreed to the ceremony. She is delighted. They plan Richard's escape. Richard begins his ride after the midday meal. When Astley learns Richard is missing, he is in immediate pursuit.

They arrive simultaneously in the abbey courtyard, Richard on his pony. The courtyard is full of onlookers while Astley and Abbot Radulfus argue over who has legal rights over Richard. Richard shouts out why he agreed to the ceremony, that Cuthred is not a priest, and therefore he knew the marriage to be invalid. At this, Rafe slips away. Abbot Radulfus plans to confront Cuthred the next morning. Hugh Beringar returns from Leighton, and mutes Astley with mention of kidnapping charges. Aymer Bosiet has not left the abbey, and is still a threat to Hyacinth.

The following morning, Abbot Radulfus and Hugh Beringer find Cuthred lying dead within the hermitage, his own knife near his hand. A small casket is broken open and empty, and the breviary is missing. Blood shows on the tip of Cuthred's knife. Dame Dionisia arrives, and is jolted by the sight of the dead man.

When the body of Cuthred is returned to Shrewsbury, Aymer Bosiet recognises the dead hermit. He and his father had met him at Thame one night. He was dressed differently, hair cut in the Norman style, a man who had weapons but no horse. They played dice and chess with him. This explains the murder of Drogo; Cuthred killed him to avoid exposure by Drogo. Aymer leaves the abbey. Cadfael brings Hyacinth out of hiding. Hugh calls off the manhunt. At Eilmund's home, Hyacinth confirms that when they met, Cuthred was well dressed as a knight. Hyacinth stole a habit for him at the priory, for his transformation to hermit. Hugh tells Hyacinth he is free to seek work in the town. In a year and a day, he will come to ask for Annet as his wife.

Rafe seeks Cadfael to treat his knife wound. Rafe de Genville, vassal to Brian FitzCount, and loyal to the Empress Maud, will restore to Brian what is his, recovered in a fight between Rafe and the hermit. Rafe found the jewels which he sought in the reliquary. A personal letter was hidden in the breviary, already read by the dead man, as the seal is broken.

Cadfael tells Hugh that he let Rafe go. It is revealed that Cuthred was in fact Renaud Bourchier, having stolen the Empress's jewels and abandoned his horse and knightly clothes in order to avoid detection. This explains why Bourchier's horse was found with no sign of a body. Hugh recoils upon realising the full horror of the first crime that Renaud Bourchier committed. Hugh is persuaded Rafe acted rightly.

Honour is upheld, the lovers are united, and Richard is safe at school.

Characters

Reviews

This novel earned some high praise, along with disappointment in the characters.

Kirkus Reviews found this novel worthy of praise, starting by saying this is "Another in the ever-fascinating Brother Cadfael chronicles taking the reader back to 12th-century England, where Cadfael's Benedictine Abbey in Shrewsbury is relatively untouched by the country's civil war." The plot focusses on "a different war being waged there, however, after the death of Richard Ludel, Lord of Eaton", whose son was kidnapped from the Abbey. Their commentary on the novel was that it was "Swift-moving, intricate plotting, richly tapestried background, and unpretentious but literate style in the telling once again work their magic as Peters continues to enthrall." [1]

Publishers Weekly was not impressed with the characters, and said that "Unfortunately, most of the characters are glibly superficial: lovers are fair and pure; villains cruel and swarthy. In his 14th appearance, however, Brother Cadfael remains as shrewd and unpredictable as ever." [4]

By contrast, Library Journal , writing about the audio book, said that "No one is exactly what they seem, and more than one character has a past that bears closer examination. Add to this several subplots and a large amount of political intrigue, and you have a great story. Although Brother Cadfael is more an observer than an actor in this work, bodies and red herrings pile up in a satisfying way before all the puzzles are solved." [2]

Themes and Setting in History

The story is set in Shrewsbury and environs. Shrewsbury Abbey continues, and its history notes Abbott Radulfus (sometimes known as Ranulf) and Prior Robert Pennant as real people in its history. [3] Remains of some of the places stand today, [5] and can be seen from one of the trails. [6] The manors at Wroxeter and Leighton are real places close to Shrewsbury. [7]

The Anarchy, a period of dispute over who was rightful king, was deep in its tangle. King Stephen held the crown, while his cousin Empress Maud claimed she was the rightful successor to her father King Henry I. She and her forces engaged in battles with King Stephen's forces. The prior year, King Stephen had been taken and imprisoned for several months, as his own brother, Henry, Bishop of Winchester turned his coat twice. Even with the field thus clear, Empress Maud was unable to garner sufficient support in the key city of London to be crowned.

King Stephen's wife, Queen Matilda, led the army when her husband was imprisoned, and succeeded both in pressing London with their forces just outside the city and in taking Robert of Gloucester as prisoner. Robert was the main support of his half-sister, allowing negotiation for the release of King Stephen. Immediately after that drama, Empress Maud moved to Oxford. King Stephen's brother, the powerful Bishop Henry, again supported the King, even worked to sway supporters of Maud to join the King for the sake of the nation. After a period of illness, King Stephen began again to take strategic towns, like Wareham and besieged Empress Maud in Oxford, all as related in the story. Geoffrey of Anjou, second husband of Maud and father of their children, was more interested in conquests in Normandy, where he was in the time of this novel, than in helping his wife in any way. Robert of Gloucester was sent, nonetheless, to persuade Geoffrey to help his wife. He returned at the end of October to Wareham [8] as the siege of Oxford continued, with Empress Maud trapped in Oxford Castle by that siege. [9] [10] [11]

Empress Maud would not stop battling, but could not win for herself.

The plot of the novel arises from the very real chaotic political situation of fall 1142 in England. Brian Fitz Count was one of her strongest supporters on the battlefield and in the long run. [12] It was rumoured that they were lovers. During the siege of Oxford, Brian Fitz Count was running low on funds at his place in Wallingford Castle, supporting soldiers in her cause.

Hermit monks of the Anchorite following were a feature of medieval England. [13] [14]

The choice of the name Hyacinth for the attractive and handsome young man who arrives in the novel as the boy to assist the hermit Cuthred is also of the medieval period. In our modern era, it is simply the name of a spring flower. In Greek mythology, Hyacinth is killed because two of the gods pursue him for his beauty; from his blood sprang a beautiful flower. In pre-Hellenic myths, he was the "classical metaphor of the death and rebirth of nature", which well suits the villein who is fought over by his lord, disappears from his home to reappear in a new place, fall in love, make new friends and a new life. Hyacinth relates a very brief version of the Greek myth as an "old story" he heard from a priest, when Abbot Radulfus asks about his name when the two first meet. Abbot Radulfus mentions having heard of a bishop by that name. Perhaps he means the man who later became Cardinal Hyacinth and at the end of his long life, Pope Celestine III, [15] [16] or a Cardinal Hyacinth mentioned as a correspondent to Thomas Becket. [17]

Many characters in this novel, beyond the Benedictine Abbey itself, were of the landed gentry, with manors to direct, to gain by marriage, and to inherit. In the feudal system, they owed allegiance to their liege lord, and had both free and villein workers doing the work on the land or in the house. [18] The group of characters who were either free men or villeins held distinctly different views of the Sheriff, and the law in general, as a protector of their life and property. Where the landed gentry relied on the Sheriff to serve them, the class with skilled trades or who worked the land knew their innocence had to be completely proved before facing the Sheriff.

The themes of the novel include the medieval sense of honour; loyalty, and its reverse in a nation, treason.

Publication history

Fantastic Fiction lists six hardback editions in English, from 1987 to 2001. The first edition was issued in June 1987 by Headline Book Publishing, ISBN   0747200378 / 9780747200376 (UK edition); the latest in June 2001 by Chivers Large print, Chivers, Windsor, Paragon & C, ISBN   0754015904 / 9780754015901 (UK edition). There are nine paperback editions from 1987 to 2002; the latest in April 2002 by Chivers Large print (Chivers, Windsor, Paragon & C, ISBN   0754024512 / 9780754024514 (UK edition). Four audio cassette editions from 1994–98; two audio CD edition from 2001 and the latest in May 2013 by Blackstone Audiobooks, ISBN   1470886820 / 9781470886820; and an MP3 edition in February 2012.

The Kindle edition was released in July 2013, ISBN B00E1X36MQ. [19]

Goodreads lists 33 editions of The Hermit of Eyton Forest, in English, Italian, French, German, Polish, Dutch. Editions are in hardback, paperback, audio cassette, audio CD, and MP3 player, published from 1988 to 1 March 2012. [20]

In addition to editions in English, French, German and Spanish, WorldCat lists a 2000 book edition in Korean. [21]

Related Research Articles

Brother Cadfael is the main fictional character in a series of historical murder mysteries written between 1977 and 1994 by the linguist-scholar Edith Pargeter under the name Ellis Peters. The character of Cadfael himself is a Welsh Benedictine monk living at the Abbey Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, in Shrewsbury, western England, in the first half of the 12th century. The stories are set between about 1135 and about 1145, during "The Anarchy", the destructive contest for the crown of England between King Stephen and his cousin Empress Maud.

<i>The Rose Rent</i> 1986 novel by Ellis Peters

The Rose Rent is a medieval mystery novel set in the summer of 1142 by Ellis Peters. This is the thirteenth novel in The Cadfael Chronicles, first published in 1986.

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<i>Dead Mans Ransom</i> 1984 novel by Ellis Peters

Dead Man's Ransom is a medieval mystery novel by Ellis Peters, first of four novels set in the disruptive year of 1141. It is the ninth in the Cadfael Chronicles, and was first published in 1984.

<i>An Excellent Mystery</i> 1985 novel by Ellis Peters

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<i>Monks Hood</i> 1980 book by Ellis Peters

Monk's-Hood is a medieval mystery novel by Ellis Peters, set in December 1138. It is the third novel in The Cadfael Chronicles. It was first published in 1980.

<i>Brother Cadfaels Penance</i> 1994 novel by Ellis Peters

Brother Cadfael's Penance is a medieval mystery novel set in the autumn of 1145 by Ellis Peters. It is the last novel in the Cadfael Chronicles, first published in 1994.

<i>The Virgin in the Ice</i> 1982 book by Ellis Peters

The Virgin in the Ice is a medieval mystery novel by Ellis Peters, set in late 1139. It is the sixth novel in The Cadfael Chronicles, first published in 1982.

<i>Saint Peters Fair</i> 1981 novel by Edith Pargeter

Saint Peter's Fair is a medieval mystery novel by Ellis Peters, set in July – September 1139. It is the fourth novel in The Cadfael Chronicles, first published in 1981. The story occurs during The Anarchy, in the English town of Shrewsbury.

<i>The Sanctuary Sparrow</i> 1983 novel by Edith Pargeter

The Sanctuary Sparrow is a medieval mystery novel by Ellis Peters, set in spring 1140. Published in 1983, it is the seventh novel in The Cadfael Chronicles.

<i>The Leper of Saint Giles</i> 1981 novel by Ellis Peters

The Leper of Saint Giles is a medieval mystery novel by Ellis Peters, set in October 1139. It is the fifth novel in The Cadfael Chronicles and was first published in 1981.

<i>The Devils Novice</i> 1983 novel by Ellis Peters

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<i>The Holy Thief</i> Book by Ellis Peters

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<i>The Pilgrim of Hate</i> 1984 novel by Ellis Peters

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<i>The Confession of Brother Haluin</i> 1988 novel by Ellis Peters

The Confession of Brother Haluin is a medieval mystery novel set in the winter of 1142–1143 by Ellis Peters. It is the fifteenth novel in the Cadfael Chronicles, and was first published in 1988.

The Cadfael Chronicles is a series of historical murder mysteries written by the linguist-scholar Edith Pargeter (1913–1995) under the name "Ellis Peters". Set in the 12th century in England during the Anarchy, the novels focus on a Welsh Benedictine monk, Cadfael, who aids the law by investigating and solving murders.

<i>The Raven in the Foregate</i> 1986 novel by Ellis Peters

The Raven in the Foregate is a medieval mystery novel by Ellis Peters, fourth of the novels set in 1141, a year of great political tumult in the Anarchy. It is 12th of The Cadfael Chronicles, and first published in 1986.

<i>The Heretics Apprentice</i> 1989 novel by Ellis Peters

The Heretic's Apprentice is a medieval mystery novel by Ellis Peters set in June 1143. It is the 16th novel in the Cadfael Chronicles and was first published in 1989.

<i>The Potters Field</i> (Peters novel) Medieval mystery novel by Ellis Peters

The Potter's Field is a medieval mystery novel by Ellis Peters set in August to December 1143. It is the 17th volume of the Cadfael Chronicles and was first published in 1989.

<i>Cadfael</i> (TV series) British historical mystery series, 1994–1998

Cadfael is a British mystery television series, broadcast on ITV between 29 May 1994 and 28 December 1998, based on The Cadfael Chronicles novels written by Ellis Peters. Produced by Central, it starred Derek Jacobi as the medieval detective and title character, Brother Cadfael. The complete series was released on DVD on 24 August 2009. The series aired in the United States as part of the Mystery! series.

References

  1. 1 2 3 "The Hermit of Eyton Forest". Kirkus Reviews. 15 March 1988. Retrieved 27 November 2012.
  2. 1 2 3 4 "Editorial Reviews". BarnesandNoble.com. March 1988. Retrieved 31 July 2022.
  3. 1 2 3 "History". Shrewsbury Abbey.
  4. "'Hermit of Eyton Forest' Review". Publishers Weekly. 1 March 1988. Retrieved 31 July 2022.
  5. "Brother Cadfael Car Trails in the Shropshire Countryside". Shropshire Tourism.
  6. "Trail Map A of Trail showing Eyton". Shropshire Tourism.
  7. "Ordnance Survey of Great Britain New Popular Edition, Sheet 118 – Shrewsbury" . Retrieved 27 November 2012.
  8. Bradbury p 86
  9. "Oxford Castle, Oxfordshire". InfoBritain.co.uk. Retrieved 27 November 2012.
  10. "Siege of Oxford, History of England". World History Database. Retrieved 27 November 2012.
  11. Attar, Rob (February 2010). "Oxford Castle". BBC History Magazine. Retrieved 27 November 2012.
  12. "Brian Fitz Count mini biography". AncientWorlds.net. Retrieved 27 November 2012.
  13. "The Rule of St. Benedict, c.530". Fordham University. Retrieved 27 November 2012.
  14. Clay, Rotha Mary (1914). "The Hermits and Anchorites of England" . Retrieved 27 November 2012.
  15. "Pope Celestine III". Ashgate. Retrieved 27 November 2012.
  16. Doran, John; Smith, Damian J (2008). Pope Celestine III (1191–1198): diplomat and pastor. Ashgate. ISBN   9780754656715 . Retrieved 27 November 2012.
  17. Turner, Sharon (1853). "The History of England Middle Ages Vol I" (First ed.). London: Longman, Brown, Green and Longmans. p. 238 Note 124.
  18. "Villein". Middle Ages Website.
  19. "The Hermit of Eyton Forest, Kindle edition". FantasticFiction. July 2013. Retrieved 2 August 2013.
  20. "The Hermit of Eyton Forest". GoodReads. Retrieved 2 August 2013.
  21. The Hermit of Eyton Forest. WorldCat. OCLC   604439564.

Sources