Jean de Waurin's Chronicle of England Volume 6 Books 3-6: The Wars of the Roses
Jean de Waurin was a French Chronicler, from the Artois region, who was born around 1400, and died around 1474. Waurin’s Chronicle of England, Volume 6, covering the period 1450 to 1471, from which we have selected and translated Chapters relating to the Wars of the Roses, provides a vivid, original, contemporary description of key events some of which he witnessed first-hand, some of which he was told by the key people involved with whom Waurin had a personal relationship.
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Barbados is in Lesser Antilles.
In 1650 William Tufton 1st Baronet [aged 61] died at Barbados.
Around 1653 Robert Davers 2nd Baronet was born to Robert Davers 1st Baronet [aged 33] at Barbados. He married before 1684 Mary Jermyn Lady Davers, daughter of Thomas Jermyn 2nd Baron Jermyn and Mary Merry Baroness Jermyn, and had issue.
John Evelyn's Diary. 9th August 1661. I first saw the famous Queen Pine brought from Barbadoes, and presented to his Majesty [aged 31]; but the first that were ever seen in England were those sent to Cromwell four years since.
Note. An excellent print in the line manner, 13 inches by 12, was engraved, in 1823, by Robert Grave, from the picture at Strawberry-Hill, of King Charles II., receiving this species of fruit from Rose, his gardener, who is presenting it on his knees, at Dawney Court, Buckinghamshire, the seat of the celebrated Duchess of Cleveland, See hereafter, under 1668, August.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 14th November 1663. This night I think is the first that I have lain without ever a man in my house besides myself, since I came to keep any. Will being this night gone to his lodging, and by the way I hear to-day that my boy Waynman has behaved himself so with Mr. Davis that they have got him put into a Barbadoes ship to be sent away, and though he sends to me to get a release for him I will not out of love to the boy, for I doubt to keep him here were to bring him to the gallows.
John Evelyn's Diary. 20th June 1665. This evening making my court to the Duke [aged 31], I spake to Monsieur Comminges, the French Ambassador, and his Highness granted me six prisoners, Embdeners1, who were desirous to go to the Barbadoes with a merchant.
Note 1. Probably named for the town of Emden in north-west Germany.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 17th June 1667. But it was pleasant this morning to hear Hollis [aged 25] give me the account what, he says, he told the King [aged 37] in Commissioner Pett's [aged 56] presence, whence it was that his ship was fit sooner than others, telling the King how he dealt with the several Commissioners and agents of the Ports where he comes, offering Lanyon to carry him a Ton or two of goods to the Streights, giving Middleton an hour or two's hearing of his stories of Barbadoes, going to prayer with Taylor, and standing bare and calling, "If it please your Honour", to Pett, but Sir W. Pen [aged 46] says that he tells this story to every body, and believes it to be a very lie.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 5th August 1667. Up, and with Sir W. Batten [aged 66] in the morning to St. James's, where we did our ordinary business with the Duke of York [aged 33], where I perceive they have taken the highest resolution in the world to become good husbands, and to retrench all charge; and to that end we are commanded to give him an account of the establishment in the seventh year of the late King's reign, and how offices and salaries have been increased since; and I hope it will end in the taking away some of our Commissioners, though it may be to the lessening of some of our salaries also. After done with the Duke of York, and coming out through his dressing-room, I there spied Signor Francisco tuning his gittar, and Monsieur de Puy with him, who did make him play to me, which he did most admirably-so well as I was mightily troubled that all that pains should have been taken upon so bad an instrument. Walked over the Park with Mr. Gawden, end with him by coach home, and to the Exchange [Map], where I hear the ill news of our loss lately of four rich ships, two from , one from Gallipoly, all with rich oyles; and the other from Barbadoes, worth, as is guessed, £80,000. But here is strong talk, as if Harman [aged 42] had taken some of the Dutch East India ships, but I dare not yet believe it, and brought them into Lisbon1.
Note 1. "Sept. 6, 1667. John Clarke to James Hickes. A vessel arrived from Harwich, Essex [Map] brings news that the English lost 600 to 700 men in the attempt on St. Christopher; that Sir John Harman was not then there, but going with 11 ships, and left a ketch at Barbadoes to bring more soldiers after him; that the ketch met a French sloop with a packet from St. Christopher to their fleet at Martinico, and took her, whereupon Sir John Harman sailed there and fell upon their fleet of 27 sail, 25 of which he sank, and burnt the others, save two which escaped; also that he left three of his fleet there, and went with the rest to Nevis, to make another attempt on St. Christopher. "Calendar of State Payers, 1667, p. 447.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 9th September 1667. After dinner, he and I and my wife to the Bear-Garden, to see a prize fought there. But, coming too soon, I left them there and went on to White Hall, and there did some business with the Lords of the Treasury; and here do hear, by Tom Killigrew [aged 55] and Mr. Progers, that for certain news is come of Harman's [aged 42] having spoiled nineteen of twenty-two French ships, somewhere about the Barbadoes, I think they said; but wherever it is, it is a good service, and very welcome. Here I fell in talk with Tom Killigrew about musick, and he tells me that he will bring me to the best musick in England (of which, indeed, he is master), and that is two Italians and Mrs. Yates, who, he says, is come to sing the Italian manner as well as ever he heard any: says that Knepp won't take pains enough, but that she understands her part so well upon the stage, that no man or woman in the House do the like.
John Evelyn's Diary. 19th August 1668. I saw the magnificent entry of the French Ambassador Colbert [aged 43], received in the Banqueting House, Whitehall Palace [Map]. I had never seen a richer coach than that which he came in to Whitehall. Standing by his Majesty [aged 38] at dinner in the presence, there was of that rare fruit called the king-pine, growing in Barbadoes and the West Indies; the first of them I had ever seen. His Majesty having cut it up, was pleased to give me a piece off his own plate to taste of; but, in my opinion, it falls short of those ravishing varieties of deliciousness described in Captain Ligon's [aged 45] history, and others; but possibly it might, or certainly was, much impaired in coming so far; it has yet a grateful acidity, but tastes more like the quince and melon than of any other fruit he mentions.
John Evelyn's Diary. 26th June 1671. To Council, where Lord Arlington [aged 53] acquainted us that it was his Majesty's [aged 41] proposal we should, every one of us, contribute £20 toward building a Council chamber and conveniences somewhere in Whitehall, that his Majesty might come and sit among us, and hear our debates; the money we laid out to be reimbursed out of the contingent moneys already set apart for us, viz, £1,000 yearly. To this we unanimously consented. There came an uncertain bruit from Barbadoes of some disorder there. On my return home I stepped in at the theater to see the new machines for the intended scenes, which were indeed very costly and magnificent.
Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall
The Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall (Chronicon Anglicanum) is an indispensable medieval history that brings to life centuries of English and European affairs through the eyes of a learned Cistercian monk. Ralph of Coggeshall, abbot of the Abbey of Coggeshall in Essex in the early 13th century, continued and expanded his community’s chronicle, documenting events from the Norman Conquest of 1066 into the tumultuous reign of King Henry III. Blending eyewitness testimony, careful compilation, and the monastic commitment to record-keeping, this chronicle offers a rare narrative of political intrigue, royal power struggles, and social upheaval in England and beyond. Ralph’s work captures the reigns of pivotal figures such as Richard I and King John, providing invaluable insights into their characters, decisions, and the forces that shaped medieval rule. More than a simple annal, Chronicon Anglicanum conveys the texture of medieval life and governance, making it a rich source for scholars and readers fascinated by English history, monastic authorship, and the shaping of the medieval world.
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In 1673 William Willoughby 6th Baron Willoughby of Parham [aged 57] died at Barbados. He was buried at Knaith [Map]. His son George [aged 33] succeeded 7th Baron Willoughby Parham. Elizabeth Clinton Baroness De La Warr by marriage Baroness De La Warr.
On 13th June 1682 Robert Davers 2nd Baronet [aged 29] returned and took a seat on the Council at Barbados.
On 30th November 1683 Robert Davers 2nd Baronet [aged 30] was appointed Barons of the Court of Exchequer and of Pleas at Barbados.
John Evelyn's Diary. 4th February 1693. Unheard of stories of the universal increase of witches in New England; men, women, and children, devoting themselves to the devil, so as to threaten the subversion of the government. At the same time there was a conspiracy among the negroes in Barbadoes to murder all their masters, discovered by overhearing a discourse of two of the slaves, and so preventing the execution of the design. Hitherto an exceedingly mild winter. France in the utmost misery and poverty for want of corn and subsistence, while the ambitious King is intent to pursue his conquests on the rest of his neighbours both by sea and land. Our Admiral, Russell [aged 40], laid aside for not pursuing the advantage he had obtained over the French in the past summer; three others chosen in his place. Dr. Burnet [aged 49], Bishop of Salisbury's book burned by the hangman for an expression of the King's title by conquest, on a complaint of Joseph How, a member of Parliament, little better than a madman.
On 11th October 1694 Catherine Grey Baroness North and Grey of Rolleston [aged 63] died at sea on a voyage from Barbados.
In 1713 Edwin Lascelles 1st Baron Harewood was born to Henry Lascelles [aged 23] at Barbados. He married (1) 5th January 1747 Elizabeth Dawes, daughter of Darcy Dawes 4th Baronet and Sarah Roundell Lady Dawes (2) 31st March 1770 Jane Coleman Baroness Harewood.
On 29th August 1805 Brigadier-General Robert Bernard Sparrow [aged 32] died aboard ship whilst returning from Barbados. He was buried at Tortola.
On 8th September 1820 John Gay Newton Alleyne 3rd Baronet was born to Reynold Abel Alleyne 2nd Baronet [aged 31] and Rebecca Alton Lady Alleyne [aged 26] in Barbados. He married 11th March 1851 Augusta Isabella Fitzherbert Lady Alleyne, daughter of Henry FitzHerbert 3rd Baronet and Agnes Beresford Lady Fitzherbert, and had issue.
In 1833 General Lionel Smith 1st Baronet [aged 54] was Governor of Barbados which position he held until 1836.
On 1st May 1821 Martha Morris [aged 71] died. Memorial at St Michael's Church, Chenies [Map]. Wife of Reverend Codrington Carrington [aged 72] of Blackmoor, Barbados.
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On 18th April 1668 a great fire in Bridgetown, Barbados destroyed eight hundred buildings in the town.
The Deeds of the Dukes of Normandy
The Gesta Normannorum Ducum [The Deeds of the Dukes of Normandy] is a landmark medieval chronicle tracing the rise and fall of the Norman dynasty from its early roots through the pivotal events surrounding the Norman Conquest of England. Originally penned in Latin by the monk William of Jumièges shortly before 1060 and later expanded at the behest of William the Conqueror, the work chronicles the deeds, politics, battles, and leadership of the Norman dukes, especially William’s own claim to the English throne. The narrative combines earlier historical sources with firsthand information and oral testimony to present an authoritative account of Normandy’s transformation from a Viking settlement into one of medieval Europe’s most powerful realms. William’s history emphasizes the legitimacy, military prowess, and governance of the Norman line, framing their expansion, including the conquest of England, as both divinely sanctioned and noble in purpose. Later chroniclers such as Orderic Vitalis and Robert of Torigni continued the history, extending the coverage into the 12th century, providing broader context on ducal rule and its impact. Today this classic work remains a foundational source for understanding Norman identity, medieval statesmanship, and the historical forces that reshaped England and Western Europe between 800AD and 1100AD.
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Samuel Pepys' Diary. 17th June 1668. Thence pleasant way to London, before night, and find all very well, to great content; and there to talk with my wife, and saw Sir W. Pen [aged 47], who is well again. I hear of the ill news by the great fire at Barbados.
In 1749 Reverend Codrington Carrington was born at Bridgetown, Barbados. It is unclear who is parents were. Likely descended from Paul Sydenham Carrington who married Henningham Codrington from which the forename 'Codrington'.
On 24th November 1807 Lieutenant Nevile Fane [aged 19] died of yellow fever at Bridgetown, Barbados where he was buried.
On 12th June 1706 Abel Alleyne [aged 55] died in St Andrew, Barbados.
On 23rd December 1695 John Alleyne was born to Reynold Alleyne [aged 23] in St James, Barbados.
On 2nd October 1722 Reynold Alleyne [aged 50] died in St James, Barbados.
On 16th May 1852 Reynold Henry Newton Alleyne was born to John Gay Newton Alleyne 3rd Baronet [aged 31] and Augusta Isabella Fitzherbert Lady Alleyne [aged 23] at St Lucy, Barbados.
Around 1639 John Codrington was born to Christoper Codrington [aged 33] at St Michael, Barbados.
Before 2nd May 1680 William Codrington was born to John Codrington [aged 41] at St Michael, Barbados.
On 20th December 1685 John Codrington [aged 46] died at St Michael, Barbados.
In August 1650 Abel Alleyne was born to Reynold Alleyne [aged 41] in St Peter, Barbados.
Anne Boleyn. Her Life as told by Lancelot de Carle's 1536 Letter.
In 1536, two weeks after the execution of Anne Boleyn, her brother George and four others, Lancelot du Carle, wrote an extraordinary letter that described Anne's life, and her trial and execution, to which he was a witness. This book presents a new translation of that letter, with additional material from other contemporary sources such as Letters, Hall's and Wriothesley's Chronicles, the pamphlets of Wynkyn the Worde, the Memorial of George Constantyne, the Portuguese Letter and the Baga de Secrets, all of which are provided in Appendices.
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On 7th December 1651 Reynold Alleyne [aged 42] died in St Peter, Barbados.
In 1672 Reynold Alleyne was born to Abel Alleyne [aged 21] in St Peter, Barbados.
In 1693 Henry Waldron died at St Philip, Barbados where he was buried.
In 1707 Codrington Carrington was born to Paul Sydenham Carrington [aged 42] and Henningham Codrington [aged 32] at St Philip, Barbados.
In 1717 Deborah Ayliffe died at St Philip, Barbados.
On 28th January 1741 Henningham Codrington [aged 66] died at St Philip, Barbados.
On 20th September 1810 Reynold Abel Alleyne 2nd Baronet [aged 21] and Rebecca Alton Lady Alleyne [aged 16] were married at St Philip, Barbados. She by marriage Lady Alleyne of Four Hills in Barbados.
On 24th November 1818 Wellington Stapleton-Cotton 2nd Viscount Combermere was born to Stapleton Cotton 1st Viscount Combermere [aged 45] and Caroline Greville Viscountess Comberemere [aged 29] at Duncombe House, St Thomas. He married 1844 Susan Alice Sitwell, daughter of George Sitwell 2nd Baronet, and had issue.