JOHN, or ASERIUS MENEVENSIS, that is, Ascer of St David's, bishop of Shirburn in the reign of Alfred the Great. He was born in Pembrokeshire in South Wales; and educated in the monastery of St David's by the archbishop Asserius, who, according to Leland, was his kinsman. In this monastery he became a monk, and by his assiduous application soon acquired universal fame as a person of profound learning and great abilities. Alfred, the munificent patron of genius, about the year 890, sent for him to court. The king was then at Dean in Wiltshire. He was so charmed with Asser, that he made him his preceptor and companion. As a reward for his services, he appointed him abbot of two or three different monasteries; and at last promoted him to the episcopal see of Shirburn, where he died and was buried in the year 910. He was, says Pits, a man of happy genius, wonderful modesty, extensive learning, and great integrity of life. He is said to have been principally instrumental in persuading the king to restore the university of Oxford to its pristine dignity and lustre. He wrote, De vita et rebus gestis Alfredi, &c. Lond. 1574, published by Archbishop Parker, in the old Saxon character, at the end of Walsingham's hist.—Francf. 1602, fol. Oxf. 1722, 8vo. Many other works are ascribed to this author by Gale, Bale, and Pits; but all doubtful.