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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Paternal Family Tree: Wessex
Cuthred King of Wessex was born to [his father] Cwichelm King of Wessex.
In 636 [his father] Cwichelm King of Wessex was killed at Scutchamer Knob, Oxfordshire [Map].
In 639 Bishop Birinus of Dorchester baptised [his grandfather] King Cynegils' grandson Cuthred King of Wessex to whom he was godfather.
Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. 639. This year Birinus baptized King Cuthred at Dorchester [Map], and received him as his son.
Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. 648. This year [his uncle] Kenwal gave his relation Cuthred three thousand hides of land by Ashdown. Cuthred was the son of [his father] Cwichelm, Cwichelm of [his grandfather] Cynegils. [Note. Cuthred was nephew to Kenwal.].
Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. 661. This year, at Easter, [his uncle] Kenwal fought at Pontesbury; and Wulfere (age 21), the son of Penda, pursued him as far as Ashdown. Cuthred, the son of Cwichelm, and King Kenbert, died in one year. Into the Isle of Wight [Map] also Wulfere, the son of Penda, penetrated, and transferred the inhabitants to Ethelwald, king of the South-Saxons, because Wulfere adopted him in baptism. And Eoppa, a mass-priest, by command of Wilfrid and King Wulfere, was the first of men who brought baptism to the people of the Isle of Wight [Map].
In 663 Cuthred King of Wessex died.
Kings Wessex: Grand Son of King Cynegils of Wessex
Great x 4 Grandfather: Cerdic King Wessex
Great x 3 Grandfather: Cynric King Wessex
Great x 2 Grandfather: Cutha Wessex
Great x 1 Grandfather: Ceol King Wessex
GrandFather: King Cynegils of Wessex
Father: Cwichelm King of Wessex