Life
All that is known of Wace's life comes from autobiographical references in his poems. He neglected to mention his birthdate; sometime between 1090 and 1110 is the most commonly accepted year of his birth.
The name Wace, used in Jersey until the 16th century, appears to have been his only name; surnames were not universally used at that time.
It is speculated that he may have been of aristocratic origin, as he was sent to Caen to be educated, which would have been virtually impossible for most. His detailed writing on maritime matters may have stemmed from his island upbringing.
Around 1130 Wace returned to Caen and took ecclesiatical work, possibly as a teacher.
The date of Wace's death is uncertain. The most recent event described in the Roman de Rou may be dated to 1174. In the Rou, Wace also mentions Henry the Young King as living. The latter lived until 1183, which means that Wace probably did not revise the Rou after that date.
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Famous quotes containing the word life:
“We are doomed to cling to a life even while we find it unendurable.”
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