The Raven in the Foregate
First edition
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| Author | Ellis Peters |
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| Series | The Cadfael Chronicles |
| Genre | Mystery novel |
| Publisher | Macmillan |
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Publication date
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1986 |
| Media type | Print (Hardcover, Paperback), audio book & e-book |
| Pages | 208 |
| ISBN | |
| OCLC | 37994411 (Mysterious Press 1997) |
| Preceded by | An Excellent Mystery |
| Followed by | The Rose Rent |
The Raven in the Foregate is a medieval mystery novel by Ellis Peters, fourth of the novels set in 1141, a year of great political tumult in the Anarchy. It is 12th of The Cadfael Chronicles, and first published in 1986 (1986 in literature).
It was adapted for television in 1997 by Carlton Media for ITV.
The harsh, unforgiving Father Ailnoth is brought as pastor for Holy Cross church in the foregate. When he disappears just two weeks later, Cadfael and Hugh Beringar solve the mystery.
In the mild December 1141 Abbot Radulfus heads to Westminster for a second legatine council in one year. Henry, Bishop of Winchester calls all the bishops and major clerics back to reinstate allegiance to the crowned King. King Stephen is free, released by the contender Empress Maud in trade for her main supporter, Robert of Gloucester. Abbott Radulfus returns on 10 December with a new priest for the Holy Cross parish in the Foregate. Father Ailnoth, lately clerk to Bishop Henry, comes with a housekeeper, and her unskilled nephew Benet, seeking work near her. Benet does heavy garden work needed before the first frost for Cadfael.
In just eight days Father Ailnoth alienates or directly offends almost everyone in the Holy Cross parish. He refuses confession, absolution, and then communion to Eluned, a local girl who kills herself in despair at the rejection. He hits the children with his staff, especially when he is teaching them to read. He refused to baptise an infant born too sick to live above an hour, then refused the infant burial in blessed ground because it was not baptised. In the market, he accuses the local baker of short-weighting his loaves of bread. On the land, he pays no heed to property lines until he oversteps and is challenged. The provost of the foregate meets with Abbot Radulfus to relay the complaints. The Abbot talks with Ailnoth, who does not understand the change in his role, from bishop's clerk to the cure of souls, nor accept advice. His treatment of the infant and the young woman rankles all, not just their own families.
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