Chronicle of a Bourgeois of Valenciennes
Récits d’un bourgeois de Valenciennes aka The Chronicle of a Bourgeois of Valenciennes is a vivid 14th-century vernacular chronicle written by an anonymous urban chronicler from Valenciennes in the County of Hainaut. It survives in a manuscript that describes local and regional history from about 1253 to 1366, blending chronology, narrative episodes, and eyewitness-style accounts of political, military, and social events in medieval France, Flanders, and the Low Countries. The work begins with a chronological framework of events affecting Valenciennes and its region under rulers such as King Philip VI of France and the shifting allegiances of local nobility. It includes accounts of conflicts, sieges, diplomatic manoeuvres, and the impact of broader struggles like the Hundred Years’ War on urban life in Hainaut. Written from the perspective of a burgher (bourgeois) rather than a monastery or royal court, the chronicle offers a rare lay viewpoint on high politics and warfare, reflecting how merchants, townspeople, and civic institutions experienced the turbulence of the 13th and 14th centuries. Its narrative style combines straightforward reporting of events with moral and civic observations, making it a valuable source for readers interested in medieval urban society, regional politics, and the lived experience of war and governance in pre-modern Europe.
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Around 1388 Bishop Thomas Brunce was born.
In 1429 Bishop Thomas Brunce [aged 41] was elected Bishop of Chichester although Bishop Simon Sydenham was awared the position.
On 21st February 1435 Bishop Thomas Brunce [aged 47] was elected Bishop of Rochester.
On 1st May 1435 Bishop Thomas Brunce [aged 47] was consecrated Bishop of Rochester.
On 21st September 1437 Bishop Thomas Brunce [aged 49] was collated to Bishop of Norwich.
Chronicle of Gregory. 30th April 1439. And the laste day of Aprylle deyde the Erle of Warwyke [aged 57] at Roone [Map]. Ande the same year the Cardynalle Archebyschoppe of Yorke [aged 59], the Byschoppe of Northewyche [aged 51], the Byschoppe of Syn Davys and many othyr docters, and the Duke of Northefolke [aged 23], the Erle of Stafford [aged 36], the lord Bowcer, and the Lord Hungerforde [aged 39], with a grete mayny, wente unto Calys; and they hadde the Duke of Orlyaunce [aged 44] with them for to trete of pes by twyne Ingelonde and Fraunce. And there mette with them the grete lordys of Fraunce, that is to wyte, of spyrytualle and temporalle, the Archebyschoppe of Raynys [aged 59], whythe many moo byschoppys, the Erle of Wendon [aged 63], a the Bastarde of Orlyaunce [aged 36], and many othyr lordys of Fraunce; and thedyr come the Byschoppe of Spayne and of Colayne, and many moo othyr dyvers contreys that com fro the Counselle of Basylle.
On 6th December 1445 Bishop Thomas Brunce [aged 57] died.