Abbot John Whethamstede’s Chronicle of the Abbey of St Albans
Abbot John Whethamstede's Register aka Chronicle of his second term at the Abbey of St Albans, 1451-1461, is a remarkable text that describes his first-hand experience of the beginning of the Wars of the Roses including the First and Second Battles of St Albans, 1455 and 1461, respectively, their cause, and their consequences, not least on the Abbey itself. His text also includes Loveday, Blore Heath, Northampton, the Act of Accord, Wakefield, and Towton, and ends with the Coronation of King Edward IV. In addition to the events of the Wars of the Roses, Abbot John, or his scribes who wrote the Chronicle, include details in the life of the Abbey such as charters, letters, land exchanges, visits by legates, and disputes, which provide a rich insight into the day-to-day life of the Abbey, and the challenges faced by its Abbot.
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Bishop Thomas Langton was born to [his father] Unamed Langton at Appleby-in-Westmoreland [Map].
Around 1464 Cardinal Christopher Bainbridge was born to Reginald Bainbridge and [his sister] Isabella Langton at Hilton, Westmoreland. His uncle was Bishop Thomas Langton.
On 1st July 1480 Bishop Thomas Langton was presented to All Hallows Church, Bread Street.
On 14th May 1482 Bishop Thomas Langton was presented to All Hallows Church, Lombard Street.
Before 9th April 1483 Bishop Thomas Langton was nominated Bishop of St David's. He was consecrated around Aug/Sep 1483.
On 8th February 1485 Bishop Thomas Langton was translated to Bishop of Salisbury.
Patent Rolls. 28th April 1485. Presentation of Cardinal Christopher Bainbridge [aged 21] to the parish church of Pembrige, in the diocese of Hereford, void by the resignation of [his uncle] Thomas, Bishop of Salisbury.
In 1493 Bishop Thomas Langton was translated to Bishop of Winchester.
On 22nd January 1501 Bishop Thomas Langton was elected Archbishop of Canterbury. He died five days later of the plague.
Before 27th January 1501 Bishop Thomas Langton had given 10 pounds towards the construction of Church of St Mary the Great, Cambridge [Map].
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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On 27th January 1501 Bishop Thomas Langton died of plague. He was buried in a marble tomb within 'a very fair chapel' which he had built south of the lady-chapel in Winchester Cathedral [Map].