The Abbey of Saint-Bertin, the Liber Floridus, and the Origin of the Gesta Francorum Hierusalem expugnantium

Abstract

Three manuscripts from the first decades of the twelfth century containing the Gesta Francorum Hierusalem expugnantium originate in Saint-Omer, either its collegiate church or the abbey of Saint-Bertin: the original manuscript of the Liber Floridus by Lambert of Saint-Omer (Ghent, University Library, MS 92); Saint-Omer, Bibliotheque municipale, MS 776; and London, British Library, Cotton Fragments vol. 1. Saint-Omer 92 and the Liber Floridus present the original form of the Gesta and are the fruit of the collaboration between Lambert and monks of Saint-Bertin. It is highly probable that the redaction started after and under the impression of the visit of Bohemond of Antioch to Saint-Omer in 1106.