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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.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
Paternal Family Tree: Gerard
Gilbert Gerard 2nd Baron Gerard was born to [his father] Thomas Gerard 1st Baron Gerard and [his mother] Alice Rivet.
Before 1588 [his father] Thomas Gerard 1st Baron Gerard (age 23) and [his mother] Alice Rivet were married.
After 8th January 1593 [his mother] Alice Rivet died.
In 1603 [his father] Thomas Gerard 1st Baron Gerard (age 39) was created 1st Baron Gerard of Gerard's Bromley.
On 16th September 1609 Gilbert Gerard 2nd Baron Gerard and Eleanor Dutton (age 12) were married at St Mary and All Saints' Church, Great Budworth.
On 4th March 1613 [his son] Dutton Gerard 3rd Baron Gerard was born to Gilbert Gerard 2nd Baron Gerard and [his wife] Eleanor Dutton (age 16). He married (1) after 18th May 1625 Mary Fane Baroness Gerard, daughter of Francis Fane 1st Earl of Westmoreland and Mary Mildmay Countess of Westmoreland, and had issue (2) 21st August 1636 Elisabeth O'Brien Baroness Gerard, daughter of Henry O'Brien 5th Earl Thomond and Mary Brereton Countess Thomond, and had issue.
After 1617. Church of St John the Baptist, Ashley [Map]. Memorial to six Barons Gerard: [his father] Thomas Gerard 1st Baron Gerard (age 53), and Gilbert Gerard 2nd Baron Gerard, [his son] Dutton Gerard 3rd Baron Gerard (age 3), [his grandson] Charles Gerard 4th Baron Gerard, [his great grandson] Digby Gerard 5th Baron Gerard, Charles Gerard 6th Baron Gerard.
Thomas Gerard 1st Baron Gerard: Around 1564 he was born to Gilbert Gerard and Anne Ratclyffe at Gerard's Bromley, Staffordshire. Before 1588 Thomas Gerard 1st Baron Gerard and Alice Rivet were married. In 1603 Thomas Gerard 1st Baron Gerard was created 1st Baron Gerard of Gerard's Bromley. On 7th October 1617 Thomas Gerard 1st Baron Gerard died at Ashley, Staffordshire. His son Gilbert succeeded 2nd Baron Gerard of Gerard's Bromley.
Digby Gerard 5th Baron Gerard: On 17th July 1662 he was born to Charles Gerard 4th Baron Gerard and Jane Digby Baroness Gerard. On 28th December 1667 Charles Gerard 4th Baron Gerard died. His son Digby succeeded 5th Baron Gerard of Gerard's Bromley. After 3rd September 1678 Digby Gerard 5th Baron Gerard and Elizabeth Gerard Baroness Gerard were married. She by marriage Baroness Gerard of Gerard's Bromley. She the daughter of Charles Gerard 1st Earl Macclesfield and Jeanne de Civelle Countess Macclesfield. They were third cousin once removed. On 8th November 1684 Digby Gerard 5th Baron Gerard died. His second cousin once removed Charles succeeded 6th Baron Gerard of Gerard's Bromley.
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.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
On 7th October 1617 [his father] Thomas Gerard 1st Baron Gerard (age 53) died at Ashley, Staffordshire. His son Gilbert succeeded 2nd Baron Gerard of Gerard's Bromley.
On 11th May 1623 Gilbert Gerard 2nd Baron Gerard died. His son Dutton (age 10) succeeded 3rd Baron Gerard of Gerard's Bromley.
After 11th May 1623, the date her first husband Gilbert Gerard 2nd Baron Gerard died, Robert Needham 2nd Viscount Kilmorey (age 35) and [his former wife] Eleanor Dutton (age 26) were married.
On 12th March 1666 [his former wife] Eleanor Dutton (age 69) died.
[his daughter] Frances Gerard was born to Gilbert Gerard 2nd Baron Gerard and Eleanor Dutton.
[his daughter] Alice Gerard was born to Gilbert Gerard 2nd Baron Gerard and Eleanor Dutton.
[his daughter] Elizabeth Gerard Lady Leicester was born to Gilbert Gerard 2nd Baron Gerard and Eleanor Dutton. She married 1642 Peter Leicester 1st Baronet and had issue.
Great x 4 Grandfather: William Gerard
Great x 3 Grandfather: Thomas Gerard
Great x 2 Grandfather: William Gerard
Great x 1 Grandfather: James Gerard of Astley
GrandFather: Gilbert Gerard
Great x 3 Grandfather: John Holcroft
Great x 2 Grandfather: John Holcroft
Great x 1 Grandmother: Margaret Holcroft
Father: Thomas Gerard 1st Baron Gerard
Great x 3 Grandfather: Richard Radclyffe
Great x 2 Grandfather: Thomas Radclyffe
Great x 1 Grandfather: Thomas Ratclyffe
GrandMother: Anne Ratclyffe
Gilbert Gerard 2nd Baron Gerard
GrandFather: Thomas Rivet
Mother: Alice Rivet