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.'
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Around 1713 Harriet Craggs was born illegitimately to [her father] James Craggs (age 26).
On 16th February 1721 [her father] James Craggs (age 34) died.
On 10th March 1726 Richard Eliot (age 31) and Harriet Craggs (age 13) were married.
On 8th July 1727 [her son] Edward Craggs Eliot 1st Baron Eliot was born to Richard Eliot (age 32) and Harriet Craggs (age 14). He married 25th September 1756 Catherine Elliston Baroness Eliott and had issue.
On 16th July 1733 [her son] Richard Eliot was born to Richard Eliot (age 38) and Harriet Craggs (age 20).
Before 1743. Michael Dahl (age 83). Portrait of Harriet Craggs (age 29).
On 28th April 1747 [her son] Richard Eliot (age 13) died. He was serving on the "Augusta" under the command of John Hamilton (age 33). While at port in Kinsale, he was taken by a sudden fever. Hamilton shouldered the duty of burying this favorite son of his dear friends before returning to England and the bereaved family.
On 19th November 1748 Richard Eliot (age 54) died. His good friend John Hamilton (age 34) subsequently married his widow Harriet Craggs (age 35).
On 20th November 1749 John Hamilton (age 35) and Harriet Craggs (age 36) were married at Holy Trinity Church, Cookham [Map] a year and a day after the death of her first husband Richard Eliot. He the son of James Hamilton 7th Earl Abercorn and Anne Plumer Countess Abercorn (age 59).
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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Around 1751 [her daughter] Anne Hamilton was born to John Hamilton (age 36) and Harriet Craggs (age 38).
On 18th December 1755 John Hamilton (age 41) drowned in Portsmouth Harbour. He had returned from his first command following his marriage to Harriet Craggs (age 42). Despite the weather being stormy he set out in a small boat for shore. The boat was overturned throwing all nine men into the rough water. Some of the men caught hold of the bottom of the upturned boat and waited for help to come from shore. Hamilton, confident in his swimming skills, swam around in the water – reportedly for twenty minutes – "exhorting the men to resignation in case they could not save themselves and, at the same time, encouraging them to exert their strength to preserve life". Along with two of his men, the Captain drowned before help arrived. One newspaper reported that, "The Loss of this Hon. Gentleman is great, he being much esteem'd for his Naval Abilities and exemplary Piety, (having Divine Service perform'd twice a Day at Sea to the Ship's Company) to whom he was a Father; his whole Behaviour was uniform and shew'd both the Christian and Gentleman." Hamilton's portmanteau was retrieved from the water by his footman (one of the six rescued men) and carried to shore. A "Gentleman" at Portsmouth set out immediately for London, with said portmanteau, to inform Harriot "in the discreetest manner possible" of her husband's death.
In July 1756 [her son] John Hamilton 1st Marquess Abercorn was born to John Hamilton and Harriet Craggs (age 43) posthumously. He married (1) 20th June 1779 Catherine Moyle Marchioness Abercorn, daughter of Joseph Moyle aka Copley 1st Baronet and Mary Buller Lady Copley, and had issue (2) 4th March 1792 his first cousin Cecil Hamilton Marchioness Abercorn and had issue (3) 1800 Anne Jane Gore Marchioness Abercorn, daughter of Arthur Saunders Gore 2nd Earl Arran and Catherine Annesley.
On 25th September 1756 [her son] Edward Craggs Eliot 1st Baron Eliot (age 29) and [her daughter-in-law] Catherine Elliston Baroness Eliott (age 21) were married.
On 8th August 1759 [her son-in-law] Charles Cocks 1st Baron Somers (age 34) and [her daughter] Elizabeth Eliot were married.
On 4th November 1764 [her daughter] Anne Hamilton (age 13) died.
On 1st February 1769 Harriet Craggs (age 56) died.
[her daughter] Elizabeth Eliot was born to Richard Eliot and Harriet Craggs. She married 8th August 1759 Charles Cocks 1st Baron Somers and had issue.
GrandFather: James Craggs
Father: James Craggs