Ancrene Riwle

Medieval prose treatise by an unknown English author. Many versions exist, in French and Latin as well as in English. These include Ancrene Wisse/Anchorites' Guide, which is of linguistic interest because it represents a local written standard language used in southeastern England in the early 13th century.

The work was originally written to guide three sisters who had taken holy vows but did not belong to a religious order. It calls for a life of rigorous renunciation, although its tone is softened by the author's humanity and wit.