Anastasius, the librarian, is the first to mention such a pope, A.D. 886, or thirty years after the death of Joan.
Marianus Scotus, in his Chronicle, says she reigned two years, five months and four days (853-855). Scotus died 1086.
Sigebert de Gemblours, in his Chronicle, repeats the same story (1112).
Otto of Friesingen and Gotfried of Viterbo both mention her in their histories.
Martin Polonus gives a very full account of the matter. He says she went by the name of John Anglus, and was born at Metz, of English parents. While she was pope, she was prematurely delivered of a child in the street “between the Coliseum and St. Clement’s Church.”
William Ocham alludes to the story.
Thomas de Elmham repeats it (1422).
John Huss tells us her baptismal name was not Joan, but Agnes.
Others insist that her name was Gilberta.
In the Annalês Augustani (1135), we are told her papal name was John VIII., and that she it was who conscrated Louis II., of France.