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 1627 Christopher Wase was born in Hackney.
In 1649 Christopher Wase (age 22) published a translation of Sophocles's 'Electra,' dedicated to Princess Elizabeth (age 13), with an appendix designed to show his devotion to the Stuart house.
John Evelyn's Diary. 1st February 1652. I brought with me from Paris Mr. Christopher Wase (age 25), sometime before made to resign his Fellowship in King's College, Cambridge, because he would not take the Covenant. He had been a soldier in Flanders, and came miserable to Paris. From his excellent learning, and some relation he had to Sir R. Browne (age 47), I bore his charges into England, and clad and provided for him, till he should find some better condition; and he was worthy of it. There came with us also Captain Griffith, Mr. Tyrell, brother to Sir Timothy Tyrell, of Shotover (near Oxford).
John Evelyn's Diary. 30th May 1652. I went to obtain of my Lord Devonshire (age 34) that my nephew, George, might be brought up with my young Lord, his son, to whom I was recommending Mr. Wase (age 25). I also inspected the manner of camleting silk and grograms at one Monsieur La Dorées in Moor-fields, and thence to Colonel Morley (age 36), one of their Council of State, as then called, who had been my schoolfellow, to request a pass for my wife's (age 17) safe landing, and the goods she was to bring with her out of France; which he courteously granted, and did me many other kindnesses, that was a great matter in those days.
John Evelyn's Diary. 16th March 1669. To London, to place Mr. Christopher Wase (age 42) about my Lord Arlington (age 51).
John Evelyn's Diary. 2nd April 1669. I now placed Mr. Wase (age 42) with Mr. Williamson, Secretary to the Secretary of State, and Clerk of the Papers.
On 29th August 1690 Christopher Wase (age 63) died.