The Hereford Mappa Mundi is one of the most renowned medieval world maps. It owes its existence to the visionary genius of its creator, Richard of Haldingham and Lafford, also known as Richard de Bello. Richard was more than just a cartographer; he was a craftsman, artist, scribe, and encyclopaedist who brought a wealth of knowledge and skill to the creation of this remarkable map around the year 1300.
Discovering the Mind Behind the Map
There is no signature on the map itself. There is, however, an inscription in a Norman dialect of Old French reveals Richard’s identity. In the bottom left-hand corner of the map, the inscription reads: “Let all who have this story, or shall hear or see it, pray to Jesus in God for pity on Richard of Haldingham and Lafford who has made and drawn it, that joy in heaven be granted to him.” This inscription establishes Richard de Bello as the mastermind behind the map.
Richard’s adoption of the title “de Bello” is notable. At the time, surnames were often derived from place names. The editor of Bishop Swinfield’s Household Roll suggests that “de Bello” might refer to Battle in Sussex, the site of the Battle of Hastings. This might have been Richard’s birthplace. Alternatively, Edward Trollope, an antiquary and archdeacon in Lincolnshire, suggested that “de Bello” could come from Belleau near Alford in Lincolnshire, which is a plausible but unproven connection.
The Hidden Life of a Medieval Mapmaker
The available historical records indicate that Richard de Bello was a significant figure within the ecclesiastical community. He served as the treasurer of Lincoln Cathedral between 1250 and 1260. And in 1305, he was appointed to the prebend of Norton in Hereford Cathedral. During the interval between his tenure at Lincoln and his role at Hereford, he held a living at Stoke Talmage, Oxfordshire, and a prebendal stall at Salisbury Cathedral.
It is speculated that the map was nearly completed in Lincoln, with Richard himself overseeing its creation. The final touches possibly being added at Hereford. If Richard had made the map entirely at Hereford, he likely would have used the title “de Norton.” Therefore, the map’s creation likely spans Richard’s time in both Lincoln and Hereford, and he would have simply been called Richard de Bello.
An Unlikely Alliance: Richard and Bishop Swinfield
Richard’s relationship with Bishop Swinfield is another intriguing aspect of his life. Before becoming Bishop of Hereford, Swinfield held various offices, including chancellor of Lincoln Cathedral. This position would have provided opportunities for Richard and Swinfield to interact. It is curious that Richard left Lincoln the same year that Swinfield became Bishop of Hereford. For the next twenty years, Richard maintained some form of undefined association with the bishop, despite holding office outside the Hereford diocese.
In 1289, Richard presented a haunch of venison to the bishop, indicating a friendly relationship. This gesture was made when Swinfield was staying at his episcopal manor at Bosbury.
The Legacy of Richard de Bello
Despite the available information, two questions remain unanswered:
- Did Bishop Swinfield know about the map before appointing Richard to a prebendal stall?
- If so, did the merits of the map influence the bishop in bringing Richard to Hereford?
As we have found, there is little known about Richard de Bello’s personal character. However, his work on the Hereford Mappa Mundi reveals a dedication to utilizing all available material, adapting it to his own religious and artistic ideals. The map stands as an unforgettable masterpiece, signed with a prayer in place of a signature, reflecting Richard’s deep faith and commitment to his craft.
An Epic Journey Through Time
We’re excited to share our in-depth investigations into the rich tapestry of medieval knowledge that the map encapsulates. From the intriguing life of its creator, Richard de Bello, to the fascinating depictions of biblical events, mythical creatures, and historical wonders, this series promises to be a captivating journey.
Welcome to our series on the Hereford Mappa Mundi! We’re excited to take you on a journey through one of England’s oldest surviving maps, exploring its secrets and wonders. We’ll begin with the Garden of Eden, a paradise lost, and journey through the mythical lands of Gog and Magog, the historic city of Jerusalem, and the mysterious centaurs and other legendary creatures. Over the course of more than 40 articles, we’ll uncover the hidden stories where history, mythology, and medieval beliefs intersect on this ancient piece of cowhide.
