Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Robert of Swaffham

by Mary Bateson

ROBERT of Swaffham (d. 1273?), historian of the abbey of Peterborough, was pitanciar of that house about 1267, and afterwards cellarer. He died about 1273. He wrote a continuation of the history of Peterborough Abbey begun by Hugh (fl. 1107?–1155?) [q. v.], and added the lives of seven more abbots, concluding with that of Abbot Walter (1233–1246). The manuscript is contained in the register belonging to the dean and chapter of Peterborough, and has been printed in Sparke's ‘Historiæ Anglicanæ Scriptores.’ The register itself is known as the Swaffham Register, because Robert had a principal share in its arrangement.

[Sparke's Historiæ Anglicanæ Scriptores varii, Gunton's Hist. of Peterborough and Patrick's Supplement.]

M. B.