The general background

The Chronicle (Chronica) of William of Puylaurens covers events relating to the history of Languedoc from the twelfth century to the mid-1270s. Its principal subject is the origins, course and aftermath of the Albigensian Crusade, which was launched by Pope Innocent III in 1208-9 against Count Raymond VI of Toulouse and other southern lords who were said to be failing to support the Church in combating heresy. Its particular focus is Toulouse, its bishops, and the Counts of Toulouse, reflecting the fact that William of Puylaurens was a native of the city, who served two successive bishops, and later Count Raymond VII. Much of the Chronicle is based on a close knowledge of the people and events being described, which adds greatly to its importance.

The Chronicle (whose content is outlined in more detail below) begins by describing the strength of heresy and the weakness of the Catholic Church in southern France at the beginning of the thirteenth century, and touches on some of the measures taken to combat heresy at that time, including the preaching campaign in 1206-7. It goes on to give an account of the course of the Albigensian Crusade, which began in 1209 and finally ended with the Treaty of Paris in 1229. It then describes the early development of the Inquisition in Languedoc in the 1230s, with particular reference to Toulouse and the role of its Bishop, Fulk, and also covers other events in Languedoc after the Crusade, and especially those relating to Count Raymond VII of Toulouse in the 1230s and 1240s. The Chronicle draws to a close with some chapters which deal mainly with the affairs of the French Crown and related matters (including Louis IX’s crusades) from the late 1240s onwards. It ends with a brief account of the military intervention of Louis IX’s successor, Philip III, in Languedoc in the years 1272-5.

The degree of detail provided for different periods varies considerably. Some (such as parts of the 1230s, and the period after the death of Raymond VII), receive relatively little coverage, even though what is said is important.

The Chronicle is one of the three main contemporary narrative sources for the Albigensian Crusade.