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.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
Paternal Family Tree: Russell
In 1510 John Broughton of Toddington, Bedfordshire [aged 18] and [his mother] Anne Sapcote Countess Bedford [aged 31] were married.
Before 1523 Richard Jerningham and [his mother] Anne Sapcote Countess Bedford [aged 43] were married.
Around April 1526 [his father] John Russell 1st Earl Bedford [aged 41] and [his mother] Anne Sapcote Countess Bedford [aged 47] were married.
Around 1527 Francis Russell 2nd Earl Bedford was born to [his father] John Russell 1st Earl Bedford [aged 42] and [his mother] Anne Sapcote Countess Bedford [aged 48].
On 9th March 1539 [his father] John Russell 1st Earl Bedford [aged 54] was created 1st Baron Russell of Cheneys.
Before 1548 Francis Russell 2nd Earl Bedford [aged 20] and Margaret St John Countess Bedford [aged 14] were married. He the son of John Russell 1st Earl Bedford [aged 62] and Anne Sapcote Countess Bedford [aged 68].
In 1548 [his daughter] Anne Russell Countess Warwick was born to Francis Russell 2nd Earl Bedford [aged 21] and [his wife] Margaret St John Countess Bedford [aged 15]. She married 11th November 1565 Ambrose Dudley 3rd Earl Warwick, son of John Dudley 1st Duke Northumberland and Jane Guildford Duchess Northumberland.
On 19th January 1550 [his father] John Russell 1st Earl Bedford [aged 65] was created 1st Earl Bedford. [his mother] Anne Sapcote Countess Bedford [aged 71] by marriage Countess Bedford.
In 1551 [his son] Henry Russell was born to Francis Russell 2nd Earl Bedford [aged 24] and [his wife] Margaret St John Countess Bedford [aged 18]. He married Jane Sibella Morrison Baroness Grey Wilton, daughter of Richard Morrison and Bridget Hussey Countess Bedford.
Around 1553 [his son] John Russell was born to Francis Russell 2nd Earl Bedford [aged 26] and [his wife] Margaret St John Countess Bedford [aged 20]. He married Elizabeth Cooke and had issue.
Around 1554 [his son] Francis Russell was born to Francis Russell 2nd Earl Bedford [aged 27] and [his wife] Margaret St John Countess Bedford [aged 21]. He married Juliana or Eleanor Unknown and had issue.
Chronicle of Walter of Guisborough
A canon regular of the Augustinian Guisborough Priory, Yorkshire, formerly known as The Chronicle of Walter of Hemingburgh, describes the period from 1066 to 1346. Before 1274 the Chronicle is based on other works. Thereafter, the Chronicle is original, and a remarkable source for the events of the time. This book provides a translation of the Chronicle from that date. The Latin source for our translation is the 1849 work edited by Hans Claude Hamilton. Hamilton, in his preface, says: 'In the present work we behold perhaps one of the finest samples of our early chronicles, both as regards the value of the events recorded, and the correctness with which they are detailed; Nor will the pleasing style of composition be lightly passed over by those capable of seeing reflected from it the tokens of a vigorous and cultivated mind, and a favourable specimen of the learning and taste of the age in which it was framed.'
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
On 14th March 1555 [his father] John Russell 1st Earl Bedford [aged 70] died. His son Francis [aged 28] succeeded 2nd Earl Bedford, 2nd Baron Russell of Cheneys. [his wife] Margaret St John Countess Bedford [aged 22] by marriage Countess Bedford.
Henry Machyn's Diary. 20th March 1555. [The xx day of March the [his father] earl of Bedford [deceased], lord privy-seal, who died at his house beside the Savoy, was carried to his buryingplace in the country, called Chenies, with three hundred horse all in black. He was carried with three crosses,] with mony clerkes and prestes, [till they came to the hill] a-boyffe sant James, and ther returnyd [certain of them] home; and thay had torchys and almes and money gyven them. And after evere man sett in aray on horssebake. First on red in blake bayryng a crosse of sylver, and serten prestes on horsebake wayryng ther surples; then cam the standard, and then all the gentyllmen and hed officers; and then cam haroldes, on beyryng ys elmet, and the mantylls, and the crest, and anodur ys baner of armes, and anodur ys target with the garter, and anodur ys cott armur; and anodur ys sword: and then master Garter in ys ryche cott armur and then cam the charett with vj banars rolles of armes, and a-bowt the charett iiij banars of ymages, and after the charet a gret horsse trapyd in cloth of gold with the sadyll of the sam; and then cam mornars, the cheyffe (of whom) my lord Russell [aged 28] ys sune, and after my lord trayssorer [aged 72], and the master of the horse [aged 34], and dyver odur nobull men all in blake; and evere towne that he whent thrughe the clarkes and prestes mett ym with crosses; and they had in evere parryche iiij nobuls to gyffe to the pore, and the prest and clarke of evere parryche xs., tyll he cam to ys plasse at Cheynes; and the morowe after was he bered, and a grett doll of money; and ther the deyn of Powlles mad a godly sermon; and after a grett dener, and great plenty to all the contrey a-bowt that wold com thether.
Note. P. 83. Funeral of the earl of Bedford. John first earl of Bedford, K.G. created lord Russell 1539, and an earl in 1550. See a portrait with memoirs of him in Wiffen's House of Russell, vol. i.; another in Lodge's Illustrious Portraits; and his portrait is also in the collection by Houbraken, and in Chamberlain's Holbein Heads. The chapel at Chenies, which has ever since been the cemetery of the Russells, was built by his widow in 1556, in pursuance of his last will. His effigy at Chenies is described in Lipscomb's Buckinghamshire: but in the inscription, "Lord President of the Western Portes" is an error for Partes.
Henry Machyn's Diary. 17th November 1558. The xvij day of November be-twyn v and vj in the mornyng ded quen Mare [aged 42], the vj yere of here grace('s) rayne, the wyche Jhesu have mercy on her solle! Amen.
[The same] day, be-twyne a xj and xij a' fornoon, the lady Elizabeth was proclamyd quen Elsabeth [aged 25], quen of England, France and Yrland, and deffender of the feyth, by dyvers haroldes of armes and trumpetors, and dukes, lordes [and knights,] the wyche was ther present, the duke of Norfoke [aged 22], [the] lord tresorer [aged 75], the yerle of Shrousbere [aged 58], and the yerele of Bedford [aged 31], and the lord mayre [aged 49] and the althermen, and dyver odur lordes and knyghtes.'
The sam day, at after-non, all the chyrches in London dyd ryng, and at nyght dyd make bonefyres and set tabulls in the strett, and ded ett and drynke and mad mere [merry] for the newe quen Elsabeth, quen Mare('s) syster.
Note. P. 178. A proclamation of queen Elizabeth, dated 18 November, declaring the date of her accession to have been "from the beginning of the xvijth," will be found in The Egerton Papers, p. 28.
After 1559 Henry Manners 2nd Earl of Rutland [aged 32] and [his future wife] Bridget Hussey Countess Bedford [aged 33] were married. He the son of Thomas Manners 1st Earl of Rutland and Eleanor Paston Countess Rutland. They were fourth cousins. He a great x 5 grandson of King Edward III of England. She a great x 5 granddaughter of King Edward III of England.
On 14th March 1559 [his mother] Anne Sapcote Countess Bedford [aged 80] died. Her son Francis Russell 2nd Earl Bedford [aged 32] inherited Chenies Manor House, Buckinghamshire [Map]
Henry Machyn's Diary. 15th May 1559. The xv day of May dyd pryche at Powlles [cross] [Map] master Gryndalle [aged 40], and ther was the quens consell, the duke of Norfoke [aged 23], my lord keper of the seylle, and my lord of Arundell [aged 47], my lord treysorer [aged 76], my lord marques of Northamtun [aged 47], my lord admerall [aged 49], my lord of Sussex [aged 34], my lord of Westmorland [aged 34], my lord of Rutland [aged 32], and mony mo lordes and knyghtes, my lord mare [aged 50] and the althermen; and after sermon done they whent to my lord mayre to dener, and my lord Russell [aged 32].
Henry Machyn's Diary. 11th June 1559. The xj day of June dyd pryche at Powlles [Map] master [Sandys] [aged 40], and ther was my lorde mayre [aged 50] and the althermen, and my lord of Bedford [aged 32], and with dyvers odur nobull men; and postulles [Apostles] masse mad an end that day, and masse a' Powlles was non that day, and the new dene toke possessyon that was afore, by my lord of Bedford, and thys was on sant Barnabe day; and the sam nyght thay had no evyng-song at Powlles.
Around 1560 [his son] William Russell 1st Baron Russell was born to Francis Russell 2nd Earl Bedford [aged 33] and [his wife] Margaret St John Countess Bedford [aged 27]. He married 13th February 1585 Elizabeth Long Baroness Russel Thornhaugh and had issue.
Henry Machyn's Diary. 24th March 1560. The xxiiij day of Marche, was mydlentt sonday, dyd pryche at Powlles [Map] [doctor] Sandes [aged 41] the nuw byshope of Wosseter, and ther was m[y lord mayor [aged 64]] and the althermen, and he prychyd in ys rochet [and chiminer,] and ther was my lord the erle of Bedford [aged 33], and dyvers g[entlemen] and grett audyens of pepull.
Henry Machyn's Diary. 24th April 1560. The xxiv day of Aprell was bered at sant Magd[alene's] master Hansley a grocer, and he had a dossen of skochyons of armes, and ther was the masturs of the compene of the Grocers, and prestes and clarkes syngyng, and master Juelle [aged 37] the byshope of Saylbere dyd pryche, and he gayff (blank) gownes unto pore men; and ther was at ys berehyng all the masters of (the) hospetalle with ther gren stayffes in ther handes.... the Queen [aged 26] with the lord Russelle [aged 33] whent downe unto Depford .... shype and her nuw galley, and dynyd in the s[hip] and ther my lord admerall [aged 50] mad her grett ch[eer, and] after wher serten brygendar wher red [ready] with [furniture of] ware [war]; and ther wher iiij lytyll pennys de .... hordenanse, and gayff grett sawtt [assault] unto the breg[antine] and shott grett ordenanse and fowth [fought] were ser .... all maner of artelere, and ther youe shuld [have] sene men sthrone [thrown] in-to the water, and horlyng stones and mores pykes; and ther was grett fythe [fight] be-twyne the bryg dendar [and the] pennys, and as grett shutyng as cold be; ther wher a-boyff iiij thowsand of pepull [on the water] and the land.
On 7th July 1560 [his daughter] Margaret Russell Countess Cumberland was born to Francis Russell 2nd Earl Bedford [aged 33] and [his wife] Margaret St John Countess Bedford [aged 27]. She married 1577 her third cousin George Clifford 3rd Earl of Cumberland, son of Henry Clifford 2nd Earl of Cumberland and Anne Dacre Countess Cumberland, and had issue.
A History of the County of Buckingham: Volume 3: Parishes: Chenies. Francis the second Earl of Bedford [aged 34] established his right to the manor [Map] beyond all dispute in 1561, when he procured a renunciation from John Cheyne of any claim which might be put forward by the Cheynes of Chesham Bois49.
Note 49. Com. Pleas D. Enr. Mich. 2 & 3 Eliz.; Hil. 3 Eliz.; Feet of F. Bucks. Hil. 3 Eliz.
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.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
Henry Machyn's Diary. 25th January 1561. The xxv day of January toke ys gorney in-to Franse inbassadur to the Frenche kyng the yerle of Bedford [aged 34], and he had iij dosen of logyng skochyons [escutcheons to leave at the houses in which he lodged by the way].
Henry Machyn's Diary. 9th March 1561. The sam day cam owt of Franse the yerle of Bedford [aged 34].
Henry Machyn's Diary. October 1561. The sam day a-bowtt iij at after-non cam my lord of Beydford [aged 34] and my lorde Monge and my lord Strange and mony odur gentyllmen, and mony of the pensyonars to my lord of Bedforth('s) plase, and browt the inbassadurs of France to the cowrt that lye there at my lordes plase.
Henry Machyn's Diary. 25th October 1561. The xxv day of October cam rydyng from Skotland serten Frenche-men thrugh London, my lord of Bedford [aged 34] and my lord Monge and my lord Strange was ther gyd [guide] with a M [1000] horse thrugh Fletstreet [Map], and so to my lord of Bedford('s.)
On 1st January 1562 the New Years Gift Giving was held. Those who gave gifts provide an interesting who's who of the Elizabethan Court soon after Elizabeth I's Coronation. Queen Elizabeth [aged 28] was present since a number are described as "With the Qene her Majestie."
For 'dimy' read 'demi' ie half-sovereigns.
Neweeyeur's Gyftes gevon to the Quene her Majestie by those Parsons whose Names hereafter ensue, the first of January, the Yere above wrytten.
By the Lady Margaret Strainge [aged 22], a little round mounte of golde to conteyne a pomaunder in it. With the Qene her Majestie. Note. Lady Margaret Strange married Henry Stanley Lord Strange [aged 30] on 07 Feb 1555. In 1561 he had not succeeded to Earldom of Derby and was known by the courtesy title Lord Strange. She is listed first since she was one of the few remaining direct descendants of Henry VII, being a great-granddaughter by his daughter Mary Tudor. Margaret Clifford was first in line to succeed in 1568 but died in 1596 before Elizabeth I.
Dukes, Marquises and Earls.
By the Duke of Norfolke [aged 25], in a purse of purple silke and golde knit, in sundry coynes of golde £20 0s 0d.
By the Marquis of Winchester [aged 79], High Threasourer of Englande, in a purse of crymsen satten, in angells £20 0s 0d.
By the Marquis of Northampton [aged 50], in a purse of crymsen silke and gold knit, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.
By the Earle of Arundell [aged 49], Lord Steward, in a paper, in angels, £30 0s 0d.
By the Earle of Shrewesburye [aged 34], in a red silke purse, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.
By the Earle of Darbye [aged 52], in a purse of crymsen satten, embraudered with golde, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.
By the Earle of Pembroke [aged 61], in a purse of black silk and silver knit, in new angells £30 0s 0d.
By the Earle of Bedforde [aged 35], in a purse of black silk and golde knytt, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.
By the Earle of Rutlande [aged 35], in a purse of red silk and golde knytt, in dimy soveraigns and angells £20 0s 0d.
By the Earle of Huntingdon, in a red silk purse, in angells £15 0s 0d.
By the Earle of Westmerlande [aged 37], in a red silk purse, in dimy soveraigns £10 0s 0d.
By the Earle of Oxforde [aged 46], in a red silk purse, in dimy soveraigns £10 0s 0d.
By the Earle of Northumberlande [aged 34], in a purse of black silke and silver knytt, in angells £10 0s 0d. With the Quene her Highness.
By the [his future son-in-law] Earle of Warwike [aged 32], a smocke wrought with black silk, a peire of slevis, and a partelett wrought with gold, silver, and black silke. Delivered to the Baroness Cobham [aged 23].
By the Viscounte Mountague [aged 33], in a purse of cloth of golde, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d. With her said Majestie.
Bishops. The list of Bishops ends with "With her said Majestie"; unclear whether this refers to all the Bishops listed.
By the Archbusshop of Caunterbury [aged 57], in a red silk purse, in dimy soveraigns £40 0s 0d.
By the Archbusshop of York [aged 61], in soveraigns £30 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Duresme [aged 42], in a purse of crymson silk and gold knytt, in angells £30 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Ely [aged 69], in a red vellat purse, in angells £30 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Wynchester [aged 52], in a purse of crymsen silk and gold knytt and set with pearles, in angells £20 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of London [aged 43], in a red satten purse, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Salisbury [aged 39], in a red satten purse, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Worcester [aged 43], in a black vellat purse, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Lyncoln [aged 42], in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Chychester [aged 64], in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Norwich [aged 50], in a blew silk purse £13 6s 8d.
By the Busshop of Hereforde [aged 52], in a green silk purse, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Lychfield and Coventry [aged 48], in a red satten purse, in angells £13 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Rochester [aged 48], in a red purse, in gold £13 6s 8d.
By the Busshop of Saint Davies [aged 55], in a red silk purse, in angells £10 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Bathe, in a purse of red silk, in angells £10 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Exetour, in a blew silk purse, in angells £10 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Peterborowe, in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Chester, in a red purse, in angells and soveraignes £10 0s 0d.
Duchesses and Countesses.
By the Duchess of Norfolke [aged 22], in a prse of crymsen silk and gold knyt, in angells £20 0s 0d.
By the Duchess of Somerset [aged 65], in a purse of silver and black silk, in royalls and ducketts £14 0s 0d. Probably the Dowager Duchess of Somerset since her husband Edward Seymour 1st Duke of Somerset had been executed in 1552, and their children disinherited as a result.
By the Countess of Surrey, in a purse of tawny silk and gold, in dimy soveraignes £5 0s 0d. Dowager since her husband Henry Howard 1516-1547, by courtesy Earl Surrey, had been executed in 1547.
By the Countess of Pembroke [aged 38], in a cherry bag of crymsen satten, in new angells £15 0s 0d.
By the Countess of Bedford [aged 36], in a purse of crymsen silk and silver knytt, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.
By the Countess of Darby [aged 51], in a purse of crymson sattin embrodred with gold, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.
By the Countess of Oxford [aged 36], in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes £5 0s 0d.
By the Countess of Shrewisbury, Dowager [aged 62], in a purse of black silk knytt, in dimy soveraignes £12 0s 0d.
By the Countess of Shrewisbury [aged 37], in a red silk purse knytt, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.
By the Countess of Huntingdon, Dowager [aged 51], in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.
By the Countess of Huntingdon [aged 24], in a red purse, in angells £10 0s 0d.
By the Countess of Northumberland [aged 24], in a purse of black silk and silver knytt, in angells £10 0s 0d.
By the Countess of Rutland [aged 29], in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes £13 6s 8d.
Viscountesses.
By the Vicountess Hereford, Dowager [aged 42], six hankercheffes edged with gold delivered to the said Baroness Cobham.
By the Vicountess Mountague [aged 23], in a purse of cloth of gold, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.
Lordes.
By the Lorde Keeper of the Great Seale, Bacon [aged 51], in a purse of silver knytt, in angells £13 6s 8d.
By the Lorde William Howard, Lord Chamberlen [aged 52], in a purse of crymsen silk and gold knytt, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.
By the Lorde Pagett [aged 56], in a greene purse in dimy soveraignes £13 6s 8d.
By the Lorde Clynton, Lord Admyrall [aged 50], in gold £10 0s 0d.
By the Lorde Riche [aged 65], in a red satten purse, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.
By the Lorde North [aged 66], in a purse of purple silk and silver, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.
By the Lorde Lumley [aged 29], in a paper, in angells £20 0s 0d.
By the Lorde Hastings of Loughboro [aged 41], in a red silk purse, in French crowns £13 0s 0d.
By the Lorde Stafford [aged 60], in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes £5 0s 0d.
By the Lorde Windsor [aged 30], in a purse of crymsn silk and gold knytt, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d. With her said Majestie.
by Lorde John Graye [aged 38], a haunce pott of allabaster garnished with silver gilt. Delivered in charge to John Asteley, Esq Master and Threasourer of her Highnes Jewels and Plate. Lord John Grey assumed to be a courtesy title his father being Thomas Grey 2nd Marquess Dorset.
By the Lorde Barkeley [aged 27], in a red purse, in gold £10 0s 0d.
By the Lorde Mountejoye [aged 29], in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.
By the Lorde Abergavennye [aged 36], in a purse of red silke, in dimy soveraignes £5 0s 0d.
By the Lorde Scrowpe [aged 28], in a purse of blak silk and silver knytt, in angells £10 0s 0d.
By the Lorde Caree of Hundesdon [aged 35], in a purse of crymsen silk, in double ducketts £13 6s 8d.
By the Lorde Strainge, in a purse of red silk and gold, in dimy soveraignes £5 0s 0d. Lord Strange being the courtesy title for the Earldom of Derby. He wouldn't inherit until 1572.
By the Lorde Darcey of Chichey [aged 30], in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes, £10 0s 0d.
By the Lorde Shefild [aged 24], in a red silk purse, in gold £10 0s 0d.
By the Lorde Shandowes [aged 40], in a blak silk purse, in angells £10 0s 0d. With her said Majestie.
Ladyes.
By the Baroness Howarde [aged 47], in a purse of crymsen silk and knytt, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d. With her said Majestie.
By the Baroness Clinton [aged 35], a peire of sleevis of gold, pulled out with lawne. Delivered to the said Baroness Cobham.
By the Baroness Genevillet, in gold £6 13s 4d.
By the Lady Barkeley [aged 24], Lord Barkeley's wife, in gold £5 0s 0d.
By the Lady Mountejoye [aged 30], in a red silk purse, in angells £10 0s 0d.
By the Lady Abergavenny, in a red satten purse, in dimy soveraignes £5 0s 0d.
By the Lady Caree of Hundesdon [aged 33], in a blak purse knytt, in angells £10 0s 0d.
By the Lady Taylboyes, Sir Peter Carewe's [aged 48] wyfe, in a purse of blak silk and silver, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d. With her said Majestie.
By the Baroness Cobham, a partelett and a peire of sleeves of sypers wrought with silver and blak silke. Re-delivered to herself.
By the Lady Dakers [aged 21], a warming ball of gold, per oz. 3 oz. dim. With her said Majestie.
By the Lady Shefilde [aged 20], a paire of sleeves wrought with fringe of blak silk and lozeng of gold. Delivered to the said Baroness Cobham.
By the Margaret Baroness Scrope [aged 18], in a purse of blak silk and silver, in angells £7 0s 0d. With her said Majestie.
By the Lady Shandowes [aged 38], a peire of sleeves and a partlett of gold and silver knytt, cawle fashion. Delivered to the said Baroness Cobham.
By the Lady Knowlles [aged 38], a feyne carpett of needleworke, theverende frienged and buttoned with gold and silk. Delivered to John Torneworth, Groom of the Privy Chamber.
By the Lady Butler, in a little white purse, in French crowns £6 0s 0d. With her said Majestie. Unclear as to who Lady Butler refers to.
By the Lady Raclyef, a peire of sleeves of cameryk, all over sett with purle, and two sweet bags. Delivered to the said Baroness Cobham.
Henry Machyn's Diary. 22nd June 1562. The xxij day of June was the masters the Salters' fest, and ther dynyd my lord keper of the selle [aged 51] and my lord of Bedfoord [aged 35] and my lord cheyff justes.
On 27th August 1562 [his wife] Margaret St John Countess Bedford [aged 29] died at Woburn, Bedfordshire. She was buried at St Michael's Church, Chenies [Map].
In 1564 Francis Russell 2nd Earl Bedford [aged 37] was appointed 349th Knight of the Garter by Queen Elizabeth I of England and Ireland [aged 30].
On 11th November 1565 [his son-in-law] Ambrose Dudley 3rd Earl Warwick [aged 35] and Anne Russell Countess Warwick [aged 17] were married. She by marriage Countess Warwick. She the daughter of Francis Russell 2nd Earl Bedford [aged 38] and Margaret St John Countess Bedford. He the son of John Dudley 1st Duke Northumberland and Jane Guildford Duchess Northumberland.
On 25th June 1566 Francis Russell 2nd Earl Bedford [aged 39] and Bridget Hussey Countess Bedford [aged 40] were married. She by marriage Countess Bedford. He the son of John Russell 1st Earl Bedford and Anne Sapcote Countess Bedford.
In January 1570 Henry Clifford 2nd Earl of Cumberland [aged 53] died. His son [his future son-in-law] George [aged 11] succeeded 3rd Earl of Cumberland, 13th Baron de Clifford, 13th Lord Skipton. Being underage his wardship went to Queen Elizabeth I of England and Ireland [aged 36] who gave it to Francis Russell 2nd Earl Bedford [aged 43] whose daughter George subsequently married.
In 1572 [his son] Henry Russell [aged 21] died.
In 1577 [his son-in-law] George Clifford 3rd Earl of Cumberland [aged 18] and Margaret Russell Countess Cumberland [aged 16] were married. She being the daughter of Francis Russell 2nd Earl Bedford [aged 50] who had been given George's wardship by Queen Elizabeth I of England and Ireland [aged 43]. She by marriage Countess of Cumberland. She the daughter of Francis Russell 2nd Earl Bedford and Margaret St John Countess Bedford. He the son of Henry Clifford 2nd Earl of Cumberland and Anne Dacre Countess Cumberland [aged 56]. They were third cousins.
The History of William Marshal was commissioned by his son shortly after William’s death in 1219 to celebrate the Marshal’s remarkable life; it is an authentic, contemporary voice. The manuscript was discovered in 1861 by French historian Paul Meyer. Meyer published the manuscript in its original Anglo-French in 1891 in two books. This book is a line by line translation of the first of Meyer’s books; lines 1-10152. Book 1 of the History begins in 1139 and ends in 1194. It describes the events of the Anarchy, the role of William’s father John, John’s marriages, William’s childhood, his role as a hostage at the siege of Newbury, his injury and imprisonment in Poitou where he met Eleanor of Aquitaine and his life as a knight errant. It continues with the accusation against him of an improper relationship with Margaret, wife of Henry the Young King, his exile, and return, the death of Henry the Young King, the rebellion of Richard, the future King Richard I, war with France, the death of King Henry II, and the capture of King Richard, and the rebellion of John, the future King John. It ends with the release of King Richard and the death of John Marshal.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
On 7th August 1583 [his son-in-law] William Bourchier 3rd Earl Bath [aged 25] and Elizabeth Russell Countess Bath were married at St Mary Major Church, Exeter. She by marriage Countess Bath, Countess Eu. She the daughter of Francis Russell 2nd Earl Bedford [aged 56] and Margaret St John Countess Bedford. They were half sixth cousins.
In 1584 Francis Russell 2nd Earl Bedford [aged 57] was appointed Lord Lieutenant of Devon.
In 1584 [his son] John Russell [aged 31] died.
On 13th February 1585 William Russell 1st Baron Russell [aged 25] and Elizabeth Long Baroness Russel Thornhaugh were married at Watford, Hertfordshire. He the son of Francis Russell 2nd Earl Bedford [aged 58] and Margaret St John Countess Bedford.
On 27th June 1585 [his son] Francis Russell [aged 31] died.
On 28th July 1585 Francis Russell 2nd Earl Bedford [aged 58] died. His grandson Edward [aged 12] succeeded 3rd Earl Bedford, 3rd Baron Russell of Cheneys.
Bedford Chapel, St Michael's Church, Chenies. Monument to Francis Russell 2nd Earl Bedford and [his former wife] Margaret St John Countess Bedford.
The armorials on the visible south side being, left to right:
Dudley Arms impaling 
Russell Arms. [his son-in-law] Ambrose Dudley 3rd Earl Warwick [aged 56] and [his daughter] Anne Russell Countess Warwick [aged 38].
Bourchier Arms impaling Russell Arms. William Bourchier 3rd Earl Bath [aged 28] and Elizabeth Russell Countess Bath
Clifford Arms impaling Russell Arms. George Clifford 3rd Earl of Cumberland [aged 27] and Margaret Russell Countess Cumberland [aged 25].
On 13th January 1601 [his former wife] Bridget Hussey Countess Bedford [aged 75] died. She was originally interred at St Marys Church, Watford. The monument was probably moved when the Bedford Chapel, St Michael's Church, Chenies was extended in 1906. Francis Norreys 1st Earl Berkshire [aged 21] inherited £3000.
Marble altar tomb chest with flat vertical pilaster strips; on sides and ends are shields with arms. Recumbent effigy of alabaster, coloured in robes of a peeress with ruff and close fitting cap. At the left and right of the tomb chest, on little stands, are two kneeling male figures in armour, carved in full relief, both facing West, thought to represent her grandsons Francis Norreys 1st Earl Berkshire and - Francis, Lord Norreys and Sir Charles Morrison Bt.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 4th June 1661. From thence to my Lord Crew's to dinner with him, and had very good discourse about having of young noblemen and gentlemen to think of going to sea, as being as honourable service as the land war. And among other things he told us how, in Queen Elizabeth's time, one young nobleman would wait with a trencher at the back of another till he came to age himself. And witnessed in my young Lord of Kent, that then was, who waited upon my Lord Bedford at table, when a letter came to my Lord Bedford that the Earldom of Kent was fallen to his servant, the young Lord; and so he rose from table, and made him sit down in his place, and took a lower for himself, for so he was by place to sit. From thence to the Theatre [Map] and saw "Harry the 4th", a good play. That done I went over the water and walked over the fields to Southwark, and so home and to my lute. At night to bed.
A History of the County of Buckingham: Volume 3: Parishes: Chenies. He entertained Queen Elizabeth at Chenies [Map] on 19 July 157050 and she thought of returning there in August 157651.
Note 50. Nichols, Queen Elizabeth's Progresses, i, 274.
Note 51. Hist. MSS. Com. Rep. vii, App. 629; Pepys MSS. (Hist. MSS. Com.), 179.
Annals of the six Kings of England by Nicholas Trivet
Translation of the Annals of the Six Kings of England by that traces the rise and rule of the Angevin aka Plantagenet dynasty from the mid-12th to early 14th century. Written by the Dominican scholar Nicholas Trivet, the work offers a vivid account of English history from the reign of King Stephen through to the death of King Edward I, blending political narrative with moral reflection. Covering the reigns of six monarchs—from Stephen to Edward I—the chronicle explores royal authority, rebellion, war, and the shifting balance between crown, church, and nobility. Trivet provides detailed insight into defining moments such as baronial conflicts, Anglo-French rivalry, and the consolidation of royal power under Edward I, whose reign he describes with particular immediacy. The Annals combines careful year-by-year reporting with thoughtful interpretation, presenting history not merely as a sequence of events but as a moral and political lesson. Ideal for readers interested in medieval history, kingship, and the origins of the English state, this chronicle remains a valuable and accessible window into the turbulent world of the Plantagenet kings.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
[his daughter] Elizabeth Russell Countess Bath was born to Francis Russell 2nd Earl Bedford and Margaret St John Countess Bedford. She married 7th August 1583 her half sixth cousin William Bourchier 3rd Earl Bath and had issue.
Richard Morrison and Bridget Hussey Countess Bedford were married.
Great x 3 Grandfather: Stephen Russell
Great x 2 Grandfather: Henry Russell
Great x 1 Grandfather: John Russell
GrandFather: James Russell
Father: John Russell 1st Earl Bedford
Great x 1 Grandfather: Thomas Wise
GrandMother: Alice Wise
Francis Russell 2nd Earl Bedford
Great x 1 Grandfather: William Sapcote
GrandFather: Guy Sapcote of Thornhaugh, Bedfordshire
Great x 2 Grandfather: Thomas de Semarc
Great x 1 Grandmother: Anne de Semarc
Great x 3 Grandfather: William Lexham
Great x 2 Grandmother: Alice Laxham
Mother: Anne Sapcote Countess Bedford