Pilgrims from the East and Papal agents brought news of foreign events to his scriptorium at St.Alban's.

He had access to and quotes largely from state documents, charters, and exchequer rolls.

The frequency of royal visits to the abbey brought him a store of political intelligence, and Henry himself contributed to the great chronicle which has preserved with so terrible a faithfulness the memory of his weakness and misgovernment.

On one solemn feast-day the king recognized Matthew, and bidding him sit on the middle step between the floor and the throne begged him to write the story of the day's proceedings.

While on a visit to St.Alban's he invited him to his table and chamber, and enumerated by name two hundred and fifty of the English baronies for his information.