The Arts In Berwick -- Other Narratives
Monastic Chronicles

19th century view of Balliol before Edward I

We can follow the history of events in Medieval Berwick, like Edward I's choice of Baliol as king of Scotland, in Latin chronicles written in far away monasteries. The only chronicle to be produced anywhere near, was that written at Melrose, begun soon after the Abbey was founded in 1136. The Lanercost and St.Albans chronicles are also important sources.

The History of England by William of Newburgh (c.1135-1200) is the source of the tale of the so-called Vampire of Berwick. This was not a blood-sucking Dracula but a decaying zombie-like corpse that roamed the streets pursued by a pack of demonic dogs.



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