Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Bibelesworth, Walter de
BIBELESWORTH or BIBBESWORTH, WALTER de (fl. 1270), was author of two French poems. One of these consists of some French verses addressed to Lady Dyonisia de Mounchensy, composed with the object of teaching her the language. This poem is printed in Joseph Mayer's 'Library of National Antiquities,' i. 142, from two manuscripts in the British Museum. There is, however, another copy in the library of All Souls' College, Oxford (MS. 182), which differs considerably from the printed text, both in the French verse and the accompanying English gloss. Bibelesworth's other work is a dialogue between the author and Henry de Lacy, earl of Lincoln (1257-1312), on the subject of the crusade. The earl had taken the cross, but could not prevail upon himself to leave a lady whom he loved, which Bibelesworth endeavours to persuade him to do. The occasion of its composition was the expedition of Edward I, when prince, to the Holy Land in 1270, in which Bibelesworth took part, as appears from letters of protection granted to him in that year. This poem is printed in Wright and Halliwell's 'Reliquiæ Antiquæ,' i. 134.
Bibelesworth was possessed of the manors of Bibbysworth Hall in the parish of Kimpton, Hertfordshire, and of Saling, Latton, and Waltham in Essex. He died probably between 1277 and 1283, and was buried before St. Peter's altar in the church of Little Dunmow.
[ Morant's Essex, ii. 410; Chauncy's Hertfordshire, 415; Pat. Rolls 37 Hen. III, m. 12, 54 Hen. III, m. 15d; Charter Roll 5 Edw. I, n. 21.]
Dictionary of National Biography, Errata (1904), p.25
N.B.— f.e. stands for from end and l.l. for last line
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| 463 | i | 5 | Bibelesworth, Walter de: omit Lady |
| 16 | for 1257 read 1249 |