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.
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On 19th May 1359, or thereabouts, a double-royal wedding celebration took place at Reading Abbey, Berkshire whereby two children of [his grandfather] King Edward III of England were married:
[his father] John of Gaunt 1st Duke Lancaster and [his mother] Blanche Duchess of Lancaster were married. She by marriage Countess Richmond. She the daughter of Henry of Grosmont 1st Duke Lancaster and Isabel Beaumont Duchess Lancaster. He the son of King Edward III of England and Philippa of Hainaut Queen Consort England.
John Hastings 2nd Earl Pembroke and [his aunt] Margaret Plantagenet Countess of Pembroke were married. At the time John Hastings 2nd Earl Pembroke was a ward of King Edward III of England who would enjoy the benefit of the substantial revenue of the Earldom of Pembroke until John came of age nine years later in 1368. She died two or so years later probably of plague. She the daughter of King Edward III of England and Philippa of Hainaut Queen Consort England. He the son of Laurence Hastings 1st Earl Pembroke and Agnes Mortimer Countess of Pembroke.
On 15th April 1367 King Henry IV of England was born to [his father] John of Gaunt 1st Duke Lancaster and [his mother] Blanche Duchess of Lancaster at Bolingbroke Castle, Lincolnshire.
On 12th September 1368 [his mother] Blanche Duchess of Lancaster died at Tutbury Castle, Staffordshire. Her last words were said to be "Souveyne vous de moi" ("Don't forget me") the 'S' of which was possibly subsequently represented on the Lancastrian Esses Collar. She was buried at St Paul's Cathedral. Henry of Grosmont succeeded 3rd Earl Derby, 6th Earl Lancaster.
On 21st September 1371 [his father] John of Gaunt 1st Duke Lancaster and [his step-mother] Constance of Castile Duchess of Lancaster were married at Roquefort, Landes. She by marriage Duchess Lancaster. His younger brother [his uncle] Edmund of Langley 1st Duke of York married Constance's sister in July 1372. An example of Marriage of Two Sets of Siblings. She the illegitmate daughter of Peter "Cruel" I King Castile and Maria Padilla. He the son of [his grandfather] King Edward III of England and [his grandmother] Philippa of Hainaut Queen Consort England.
On 11th July 1372 [his uncle] Edmund of Langley 1st Duke of York and Isabella of Castile Duchess York were married at Wallingford, Oxfordshire. She by marriage Countess Cambridge. She being the younger sister of [his step-mother] Constance who had married Edmund's older brother [his father] John of Gaunt 1st Duke Lancaster a year before. An example of Marriage of Two Sets of Siblings. She the illegitmate daughter of Peter "Cruel" I King Castile and Maria Padilla. He the son of [his grandfather] King Edward III of England and [his grandmother] Philippa of Hainaut Queen Consort England.
On 16th January 1373 Humphrey Bohun 7th Earl Hereford 6th Earl Essex 2nd Earl of Northampton died. He was buried at Waldon Priory and Abbey. Earl Hereford, Earl Essex, Earl of Northampton extinct. His estates were divided between his two daughters [his future sister-in-law] Eleanor Bohun Duchess Gloucester, wife of [his uncle] Thomas of Woodstock 1st Duke of Gloucester and Mary Bohun, wife of Henry of Bolingbroke, the future Henry IV, although the title and estates should have been inherited Gilbert Bohun who was a grandson of Humphrey Bohun 2nd Earl Hereford 1st Earl Essex.
On 23rd April 1377 [his grandfather] King Edward III of England1 created three new Garter Knights:
61st Richard of Gloucester (the future Richard III).
62nd Henry Bolingbroke (the future Henry IV).
63rd John Burley.
Note 1. We should note that King Edward III at this time was gravely ill dying two months later. His son [his father] John of Gaunt 1st Duke Lancaster was effectively in power.
On 24th June 1380 [his brother-in-law] John Hastings 3rd Earl Pembroke and [his sister] Elizabeth Lancaster Duchess Exeter were married at Kenilworth Castle. She by marriage Countess Pembroke. She the daughter of [his father] John of Gaunt 1st Duke Lancaster and [his mother] Blanche Duchess of Lancaster. He the son of John Hastings 2nd Earl Pembroke and Anne Manny Countess Pembroke.
After 24th June 1380 [his brother-in-law] John Hastings 3rd Earl Pembroke and [his sister] Elizabeth Lancaster Duchess Exeter marriage annulled since she had become pregnant by John Holland 1st Duke Exeter whom she subsequently married. It isn't clear whether John Holland was punished; he was half-brother to King Richard II of England through their mother Joan "Fair Maid of Kent" Princess Wales.
On 5th February 1381 Henry Bolingbroke and Mary Bohun were married at Arundel Castle. She the daughter of Humphrey Bohun 7th Earl Hereford 6th Earl Essex 2nd Earl of Northampton and Joan Fitzalan Countess Essex, Hereford and Northampton. He the son of John of Gaunt 1st Duke Lancaster and Blanche Duchess of Lancaster.
On 14th June 1381 the mob gained access to the Tower of London capturing Joan "Fair Maid of Kent" Princess Wales, the future King Henry IV of England, Joan Holland Duchess York and Archbishop Simon Sudbury.
Archbishop Simon Sudbury was beheaded at Tower Hill. He was buried at Canterbury Cathedral.
Lord Treasurer Robert Hales, who had only been appointed on the 1st February 1381, was beheaded at Tower Hill.
On 24th June 1386 [his brother-in-law] John Holland 1st Duke Exeter and [his sister] Elizabeth Lancaster Duchess Exeter were married at Plymouth, Devon. She the daughter of [his father] John of Gaunt 1st Duke Lancaster and [his mother] Blanche Duchess of Lancaster. He the son of Thomas Holland 1st Earl Kent and Joan "Fair Maid of Kent" Princess Wales.
On 16th September 1386 King Henry V of England was born to King Henry IV of England and Mary Bohun at Monmouth Castle. He was created Duke of Cornwall the same day.
16th September appears in Henry V's birth record found in Prologus in Cronica Regina printed by Hearne.
French MS 54 at the John Rylands Library in Manchester: "1386 Nat[us] e[st] henric[us] primogenit[us] henrici Com[iti] derb[er]ie xvj° die Septemb[ris]" i.e. "Henry the first-born son of Henry, earl of Derby, was born 16 day of September". He married 2nd June 1420 Catherine of Valois Queen Consort England, daughter of Charles "Beloved Mad" VI King France and Isabeau Wittelsbach Queen Consort France, and had issue.
Mary Bohun: Around 1368 she was born to Humphrey Bohun 7th Earl Hereford 6th Earl Essex 2nd Earl of Northampton and Joan Fitzalan Countess Essex, Hereford and Northampton. On 16th January 1373 Humphrey Bohun 7th Earl Hereford 6th Earl Essex 2nd Earl of Northampton died. He was buried at Waldon Priory and Abbey. Earl Hereford, Earl Essex, Earl of Northampton extinct. His estates were divided between his two daughters Eleanor Bohun Duchess Gloucester, wife of Thomas of Woodstock 1st Duke of Gloucester and Mary Bohun, wife of Henry of Bolingbroke, the future Henry IV, although the title and estates should have been inherited Gilbert Bohun who was a grandson of Humphrey Bohun 2nd Earl Hereford 1st Earl Essex. On 5th February 1381 Henry Bolingbroke and she were married at Arundel Castle. She the daughter of Humphrey Bohun 7th Earl Hereford 6th Earl Essex 2nd Earl of Northampton and Joan Fitzalan Countess Essex, Hereford and Northampton. He the son of John of Gaunt 1st Duke Lancaster and Blanche Duchess of Lancaster. Froissart Book 4 Chapter 94. Before 19th October 1398. You must know that the earl of Derby and the late duke of Gloucester had married two sisters [Note. Mary Bohun and Eleanor Bohun Duchess Gloucester], daughters to the earl of Hereford and Northampton, constable of England: the children, therefore, of the earl of Derby and duke of Gloucester were cousins-german by their mother's side, and one degree removed by their father's. To say the truth, the death of the duke of Gloucester had displeased many of the great barons of England, who frequently murmured at it when together; but the king had now so greatly extended his power, none dared to speak of it openly, nor act upon the current rumours of the mode of his death. The king had caused it to be proclaimed, that whoever should say anything respecting the duke of Gloucester or the earl of Arundel, should be reckoned a false and wicked traitor and incur his indignation. This threat had caused many to be silent, afraid of what might befal them, who were, nevertheless, much dissatisfied.
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On 2nd October 1386 John Montfort V Duke Brittany and [his future wife] Joanna of Navarre Queen Consort England were married at Saillé. She by marriage Duchess Brittany 1221 Dreux, Countess Richmond. His third marriage, her first. The marriage proceeded when her father Charles "Bad" II King Navarre agreed to give his daughter 120,000 gold francs and to pay 6,000 francs owed to John, duke of Brittany, for the rent of certain lands. He, John, gave her the cities of Nantes and Guerrand. The difference in their ages was 31 years. She the daughter of Charles "Bad" II King Navarre and Joan Valois Queen Consort Navarre.
On 2nd February 1387 [his brother-in-law] King John I of Portugal and [his sister] Philippa of Lancaster Queen Consort Portugal were married. She by marriage Queen Consort Portugal. She the daughter of [his father] John of Gaunt 1st Duke Lancaster and [his mother] Blanche Duchess of Lancaster. He the son of Peter I King Portugal and Inês Castro.
On 29th September 1387 Thomas Lancaster 1st Duke of Clarence was born to King Henry IV of England and Mary Bohun.
French MS 54 at the John Rylands Library in Manchester: "1387 Nat[us] est Tho[mal]s dux Clarencie, ij[us] filius henrici Com[iti] derb[er]ie p[e]nultimo" i.e. "1387 Thomas, duke of Clarence, the second son of Henry, earl of Derby, was born the penultimate day of September, St Michael's day [29 September]". He married November 1411 Margaret Holland Duchess Clarence, daughter of Thomas Holland 2nd Earl Kent and Alice Fitzalan Countess Kent.
On 19th December 1387 an army of the Lords Appellant led by the future King Henry IV of England prevented the forces of King Richard II of England commanded by Robert de Vere 1st Duke Ireland from crossing the bridge over the River Thames at Radcot in Oxfordshire. When [his uncle] Thomas of Woodstock 1st Duke of Gloucester arrived with further Lord Appellant's men the King's men were encircled. The King's men attempted to force the crossing of the bridge at which time the only casualties occurred including Thomas Molyneux who was killed by Thomas Mortimer. Around 800 men drowned in the marshes whilst trying to escape. Robert de Vere 1st Duke Ireland narrowly escaped to France.
Before 17th September 1388 [his brother-in-law] Henry III King Castile and [his half-sister] Catherine of Lancaster Queen Consort Castile were married at Palencia Cathedral. She by marriage Queen Consort Castile. She the daughter of [his father] John of Gaunt 1st Duke Lancaster and [his step-mother] Constance of Castile Duchess of Lancaster. He the son of John I King Castile and Eleanor Barcelona Queen Consort Castile.
On 20th June 1389 John Lancaster 1st Duke Bedford was born to King Henry IV of England and Mary Bohun.
French MS 54 at the John Rylands Library in Manchester: "1389 Natus e[st] Joh[an]es dux bedfordlie] iij[us] filius henrici com[iti] Derberie xx° die Juni[i]" i.e. "1389 John, duke of Bedford, the third son of Henry, earl of Derby, was born the twentieth day of June". He married (1) 13th May 1423 Anne Valois Duchess of Bedford, daughter of John "Fearless" Valois Duke Burgundy and Margaret Wittelsbach Duchess Burgundy (2) 22nd April 1433 Jacquetta of Luxemburg Duchess Bedford, daughter of Peter Luxemburg I Count Saint Pol and Margherita Baux.
On 3rd October 1390 Humphrey Lancaster 1st Duke Gloucester was born to King Henry IV of England and Mary Bohun.
French MS 54 at the John Rylands Library in Manchester: "1390 Nat[us] e[st] Humfred[us] dux glouvernie iiij[us] fili[us] henrici Com[iti] Derberie iii die Octob[ris]" i.e. "1390 Humphrey, duke of Gloucester, the fourth son of Henry, earl of Derby, was born the third day of October". He married (1) 1423 Jacqueline Wittelsbach Duchess Brabant and Gloucester, daughter of William Wittelsbach IV Count Holland VI Count Hainaut V Count Zeeland and Margaret Valois Countess Holland (2) 1428 Eleanor Cobham Duchess of Gloucester, daughter of Reginald Cobham 3rd Baron Cobham and Eleanor Culpepper Baroness Cobham Sternborough.
In 1391 [his brother-in-law] Robert Ferrers and [his illegitimate half-sister] Joan Beaufort Countess of Westmoreland were married at Beaufort en Vallée. She the illegitmate daughter of [his father] John of Gaunt 1st Duke Lancaster and [his step-mother] Katherine Swynford aka Roet Duchess Lancaster.
In 1392 [his daughter] Blanche Lancaster Elector Palatinate was born to King Henry IV of England and [his wife] Mary Bohun at Peterborough Castle. She married 6th July 1402 Louis Wittelsbach III Elector Palatine.
On 23rd December 1392 Isabella of Castile Duchess York died. She was buried at King's Langley Priory, Hertfordshire. She the wife of [his uncle] Edmund of Langley 1st Duke of York. Isabella had travelled to England with her sister [his step-mother] Constance of Castile Duchess of Lancaster who had married Edmund's elder brother John of Gaunt 1st Duke Lancaster. Isabella and Edmund's marriage was not, apparently, a happy one. She is known to have had an affair with John Holland 1st Duke Exeter who may have been the father of Richard of Conisbrough 1st Earl Cambridge progenitor of the House of York.
On 4th June 1394 [his daughter] Philippa Lancaster Queen Consort Denmark was born to King Henry IV of England and [his wife] Mary Bohun at Peterborough Castle. Her mother died in childbirth. She was buried at Church of the Annunciation of our Lady of the Newark. She married 26th October 1406 King Eric of Norway, Denmark and Sweden.
On 13th January 1396 [his father] John of Gaunt 1st Duke Lancaster and [his step-mother] Katherine Swynford aka Roet Duchess Lancaster were married at Lincoln Cathedral. She by marriage Duchess Lancaster. He the son of [his grandfather] King Edward III of England and [his grandmother] Philippa of Hainaut Queen Consort England.
Before 29th November 1396 [his brother-in-law] Ralph Neville 1st Earl of Westmoreland and [his illegitimate half-sister] Joan Beaufort Countess of Westmoreland were married. She by marriage Baroness Neville Raby. She the illegitmate daughter of [his father] John of Gaunt 1st Duke Lancaster and [his step-mother] Katherine Swynford aka Roet Duchess Lancaster.
Parliament Rolls Richard II. 32. The king to his archbishops, bishops, abbots, priors, dukes, earls, barons, justices, sheriffs, reeves, ministers, and other his bailiffs and faithful men, greeting. Know that we, considering the strenuous probity and prudent mind, distinguished conduct and nobility of birth of our beloved and faithful kinsman [his illegitimate half-brother] John Beaufort, knight, son of our beloved uncle John duke of Aquitaine and Lancaster, and willing therefore deservedly to exalt the same John Beaufort with the prerogative of honour, we do appoint and create John Beaufort earl of Somerset in our present parliament, and invest him with the style and name and honour of the aforesaid earl by girding him with the sword, to have to him and his male heirs issuing from his body in perpetuity. And that the same earl and his aforesaid heirs, given such name and honour, may the better and more honourably support the burdens incumbent upon the same, of our special grace in our present parliament we have given and granted, and by this our charter confirmed, to the same earl and his aforesaid heirs twenty pounds to be received each year from the issues of the aforesaid county by the hand of the sheriff of that county for the time being, at the terms of Easter and Michaelmas [29 September] in equal portions, in perpetuity. Witnessed by these, the venerable father Thomas archbishop of Canterbury primate of all England, John of Aquitaine and Lancaster, and Edmund of York, dukes; Robert of London, William of Winchester, John of Ely, Edmund of Exeter, our chancellor, bishops; Henry of Derby, Edward of Rutland, Thomas of Nottingham and marshal of England, earls; Reginald Grey, Ralph Neville, John Lovell, knights; Roger Walden dean of York, our treasurer, Thomas Percy, steward of our household, Guy Mone, keeper of our privy seal, and others. Given by our hand at Westminster on 10 February in the twentieth year of our reign [10th February 1397].
On 29th September 1397 Henry Bolingbroke was created 1st Duke of Hereford.
On 27th November 1397 [his illegitimate half-brother] John Beaufort 1st Marquess Somerset and Dorset and [his future daughter-in-law] Margaret Holland Duchess Clarence were married. She by marriage Countess Somerset. She the daughter of Thomas Holland 2nd Earl Kent and Alice Fitzalan Countess Kent. He the illegitmate son of [his father] John of Gaunt 1st Duke Lancaster and [his step-mother] Katherine Swynford aka Roet Duchess Lancaster.
On 27th February 1398 [his illegitimate half-brother] Cardinal Henry Beaufort was appointed Bishop of Lincoln.
Before 15th September 1398 the future Henry IV reported to King Richard II that Thomas Mowbray 1st Duke of Norfolk had made a treasonous remark regarding Richard's rule. Richard II proposed a duel of honour at Gosford Green, Caludon, Coventry, near Mowbray's home Caludon Castle.
On 15th September 1398 the future Henry IV spent the night at Baginton Castle, Warwickshire, the home of his friend William Bagot. Thomas Mowbray spent the night at his home Caludon Castle, Warwickshire.
On 16th September 1398 King Richard II, the nobility and thousands of spectators assembled at Gosford Green to witness the duel between the future Henry IV and Thomas Mowbray 1st Duke of Norfolk. the future Henry IV had new armour constructed. Edward 2nd Duke of York 1st Duke Albemarle and Thomas Holland 1st Duke Surrey managed the proceedings. Just as the duel was to commence King Richard II stopped it. After two hours of deliberation King Richard II had his decision announced; both men were to be exiled. The future Henry IV for ten years,Thomas Mowbray 1st Duke of Norfolk forever.
On 19th October 1398 Thomas Mowbray 1st Duke of Norfolk left England never to return.
Froissart Book 4 Chapter 94. Before 16th September 1398. The two earls, in the mean time, were making every preparation for their combat. The duke of Lancaster never went near the king, and as seldom saw his son, acting throughout with great good sense. He knew the earl of Derby was very popular with all ranks in England, but more particularly with the Londoners, who waited on him, and addressed him, - "Earl of Derby, make your mind easy: whatever may be the event of this combat it will turn out to your honour, in spite of the king and all his minions. We know well how things are managed, and what will be the result of them: this accusation has been invented by envy, to cause your banishment out of the kingdom, where they are aware you are so greatly beloved by all ranks and sexes; and should you be forced to quit us in sorrow, you shall return in joy, for you are more worthy to rule than Richard of Bordeaux. Whoever may choose to search the matter to the bottom, to discover the real origin of you both, will soon see that you have a greater right to the crown of England than he who wears it, although we have paid him homage, and acknowledged him for king these twenty years; but that was obtained by the entreaties of your grandfather, king Edward of happy memory, who was suspicious of what we hint, and feared the consequences. There was once a serious dispute on this subject between king Edward and your grandfather by your mother's side, duke Henry of Lancaster, but the great lords interfered and made up matters between them. King Edward was valiant and successful in all his enterprises, and had gained the love of his subjects high and low. Your grandfather of Lancaster only required from the king what was just, and served him and his kingdom so loyally, that his conduct deserved the commendation of all. Every one who knew him called him their old father. These things are worthy of king Richard's consideration, and may make him repent, if anything can, at his leisure, that he has not more prudently governed." Such conversations did many of the nobles and citizens of London hold with the earl of Derby, who was pleased with their affection, and received them kindly. He did not, however, neglect any preparations for his combat, but sent to every one of his friends throughout England, to entreat their company at the appointed day and place.
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Chronicle of Adam of Usk [~1352-1430]. [Before 16th September 1398]. In the same parliament, the duke of Hereford, son of the said duke of Lancaster, appealed the duke of Norfolk of treason. Wherefore the king appointed to them the morrow of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross1 next following to fight in that quarrel. The duke of Hereford meanwhile, finding pledges, went whither he would. But the duke of Norfolk being delivered into custody at Windsor, his offices were given over to his other co-appellors, that is, the office of marshal of England to the duke of Surrey, and that of captain of Calais to the duke of Exeter; on account of which grants, by His righteous judgement, God did send between him and them great confusion of strife, according to what the prophecy says in the verse:
"By the Judge of Heaven's decree
The wicked throng shall bursten be."2
Note 1. This day would fall on the 15th September; the 16th was the actual day appointed.
Note 2. Bridlington, dist. ij. cap. vj.
Thomas Walsingham [~1422]. Around this time [16th September 1398] the Duke of Hereford brought a formal charge against the Duke of Norfolk for certain words he had spoken which reflected disgrace upon the king. For this cause a duel was appointed between them at Coventry. When at length they had entered the lists, as boldly as splendidly, the king took the matter into his own hands and had it proclaimed that the Duke of Hereford had honourably discharged his duty. Nevertheless, almost immediately afterward, the king, without any lawful cause, ordered the said Duke of Hereford to be banished for ten years, and commanded this contrary to justice, the laws of chivalry, and the customs of this realm. He also condemned the Duke of Norfolk to perpetual exile, mercilessly decreeing under heavy penalties that no one should ask or presume to intercede with the king for grace to be shown to the aforesaid dukes. These things were done on the very day, a year to the day, on which that same Duke of Norfolk had caused the Duke of Gloucester to be suffocated.
Circa praesens tempus appellavit Dux Herfordiæ Ducem Nortfolchiæ, de quibusdam verbis per eum dictis, quae in Regis dedecus redundabant. Ob quam causam indictum fuit eis duellum apud Coventre. Tandem cum listas intrassent tam animose quam magnifice, Rex in manu sua causam suscepit, et fecit proclamari quod Dux Herfordiæ debitum suum honorifice adimplesset. Sed tamen, vebut immediate postea, Rex, sine causa quacunque legitima, dictum Ducem Herfordiæ ad decennium relegari fecit, et mandavit, contra justitiam et jura militaria, et consuetudines hujus regni. Ducem quoque Northfolchæ perpetuo damnavit exilio, immisericorditer statuens, sub pœnis gravibus, quod nullus rogaret, vel apud ipsum Regem intercedere praesumeret, pro gratia facienda Ducibus supradictis. Facta sunt haec ea die ad annum, quo idem Dux Northfolchæ Ducem Gloverniæ fecerat suffocari.
Froissart Book 4 Chapter 95. 16th September 1398. Not long after this, the king of England summoned a large council of the great nobles and prelates at Eltham. On their arrival, he placed his two uncles of [his father] Lancaster and York beside him, with the earls of Northumberland, Salisbury and Huntingdon. The earl of Derby and the earl marshal were sent for, and put into separate chambers, for it had been ordered they were not to meet. The king showed he wished to mediate between them, notwithstanding their words had been very displeasing to him, and ought not to be lightly pardoned. He required therefore that they should submit themselves to his decision; and to this end sent the constable of England, with four great barons, to oblige them to promise punctually to obey it. The constable and the lords waited on the two earls, and explained the king's intentions. They both bound themselves, in their presence, to abide by whatever sentence the king should give. They having reported this, the king said, "Well then, I order that the earl marshal, for having caused trouble in this kingdom, by uttering words which he could not prove otherwise than by common report, be banished the realm: he may seek any other land he pleases to dwell in, but he must give over all hope of returning hither, as I banish him for life. I also order, that the earl of Derby, our cousin, for having angered us, and because he has been, in some measure, the cause of the earl marshal's crime and punishment, prepare to leave the kingdom within fifteen days, and be banished hence for the term of ten years, without daring to return unless recalled by us; but we shall reserve to ourself the power of abridging this term in part or altogether." The sentence was satisfactory to the lords present, who said: "The earl of Derby may readily go two or three years and amuse himself in foreign parts, for he is young enough; and, although he has already travelled to Prussia, the Holy Sepulchre, Cairo and Saint Catherine's1, he will find other places to visit. He has two sisters, queens of Castillo and of Portugal, and may cheerfully pass his time with them. The lords, knights and squires of those countries, will make him welcome, for at this moment all warfare is at an end. On his arrival in Castille, as he is very active, he may put them in motion, and lead them against the infidels of Granada, which will employ his time better than remaining idle in England. Or he may go to Hainault, where his cousin, and brother in arms, the count d'Ostrevant, will be happily to see him, and gladly entertain him, that he may assist him in his war against the Frieslanders. If he go to Hainault, lie can have frequent intelligence from his own country and children. He therefore cannot fail of doing well, whithersoever he goes; and the king may speedily recall him, through means of the good friends he will leave behind, for he is the finest feather in his cap; and he must not therefore suffer him to be too long absent, if he wish to gain the love of his subjects. The earl marshal has had hard treatment, for he is banished without hope of ever being recalled; but, to say the truth, he has deserved it, for all this mischief has been caused by him and his foolish talking: he must therefore pay for it." Thus conversed many English knights with each other, the day the king passed sentence on the earl of Derby and the earl marshal.
Note 1. The monastery on Mount Sinai. - Ed.
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Chronicle of Adam of Usk [~1352-1430]. And on the day of battle [16th September 1398] they both came in great state to the appointed place, which was fenced with a wet ditch. But the duke of Hereford appeared far more gloriously distinguished with diverse equipments of seven horses1. And, because the king had it by divination that the duke of Norfolk should then prevail, he rejoiced much, eagerly striving after the destruction of the duke of Hereford. But when they joined battle, it seemed to him that the duke of Hereford would prevail. And so the king ordered the combat to be stayed, laying perpetual exile on the duke of Norfolk, yet being minded, when he should find occasion, to restore him. But the duke of Hereford he banished the realm for ten years, The one died at Venice in exile; the other within a year came back in triumph to the kingdom, and, deposing him who had banished him, reigned therein with might.
Note 1. The combatants made a great display of arms and trappings. Henry was assisted by armourers sent by the duke of Milan; Mowbray received his arms from Germany.—Froissart, iv. 63; Archæologia, 20.102.
Froissart Book 4 Chapter 94. Before 19th October 1398. At this time, a conversation passed between the earl of Derby and the earl-marshal, in which the state of the king and the counsellors whom he trusted became the subject of discussion. The earl marshal caught at the following words the other had made use of, with a good intent, thinking they would never have been mentioned again, for they were neither arrogant nor traitorous: "Holy Mary! fair cousin, what does the king next intend to do? Will he drive all the nobles out of England? There will soon be none left; and he plainly shows he is not desirous to add to the honour of his realm." The earl marshal made no reply, but treasured this speech in his mind, as he considered it very impertinent, in regard to the king, and thought within himself that the earl of Derby was well inclined to excite troubles in England, for he was marvellously beloved by the Londoners. He therefore determined (for the devil entered his brain, and what has been ordained to happen must come to pass), to report this speech in the presence of the king and his nobility.
Froissart Book 4 Chapter 96. After 19th October 1398. The day the earl of Derby mounted his horse to leave London, upwards of forty thousand men were in the streets, bitterly lamenting his departure: "Ah, gentle earl! will you then quit us? This country will never be happy until your return, and the days until then will be insufferably long. Through envy, treachery and fear, are you driven out of a kingdom where you are more worthy to reside than those which cause it. You are of such high birth and gallantry, that none others can be compared to you. Why then will you leave us, gentle earl? You have never done wrong by thought or deed, and are incapable of so doing." Thus did men and women so piteously complain, that it was grievous to hear them. The earl of Derby was not accompanied by trumpets, nor the music of the town, but with tears and lamentations. Some of the knights who attended him whispered each other-'See the conduct of the people, how readily they complain for trifles! Whoever is inclined to stir up the Londoners against the king may soon effect it, and force the king to seek another country, and the earl of Derby to remain: but this is not the moment, for, since my lord of Lancaster suffers it, we must be patient."
Froissart Book 4 Chapter 96. After 19th October 1398. When the day of his exile drew near, he went to Eltham where the king resided. He found there his father, the duke of York his uncle, and with them the earl of Northumberland, sir Henry Percy his son, and a great many barons and knights of England, vexed that his ill fortune should force him out of England. The greater part of them accompanied him to the presence of the king, to learn his ultimate pleasure as to this banishment. The king pretended that he was very happy to see these lords: he entertained them well, and there was a full court on the occasion. The earl of Salisbury, and the earl of Huntingdon, who had married the duke of Lancaster's daughter, were present, and kept near to the earl of Derby, whether through dissimulation or not I am ignorant. When the time for the earl of Derby's taking leave arrived, the king addressed his cousin with great apparent humility, and said, "that as God might help him, the words which had passed between him and the lord marshal had much vexed him; and that he had judged the matter between them to the best of his understanding, and to satisfy the people, who had murmured greatly at this quarrel. Wherefore, cousin," he added, "to relieve you somewhat of your pain, I now remit four years of the term of your banishment, and reduce it to six years instead often. Make your preparations, and provide accordingly." "My lord," replied the earl, "I humbly thank you; and, when it shall be your good pleasure, you will extend your mercy." The lords present were satisfied with the answer, and for this time were well pleased with the king's behaviour, for he received them kindly. Some of them returned with the earl of Derby to London. The earl's baggage had been sent forward to Dover, and he was advised by his father, on his arrival at Calais, to go straight to Paris, and wait on the king of France and his cousins the princes of France, for by their means he would be the sooner enabled to shorten his exile than by any other. Had not the duke of Lancaster earnestly pressed this matter, like a father anxious to console his son, he would have taken the direct road to the count d'Ostrevant in Hainault.
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On 3rd February 1399 [his father] John of Gaunt 1st Duke Lancaster died at Leicester Castle. [his step-mother] Katherine Swynford aka Roet Duchess Lancaster was by his side. King Henry IV of England succeeded 2nd Duke Lancaster, 7th Earl of Leicester. He was buried in the Choir of St Paul's Cathedral with his first wife [his mother] Blanche Duchess of Lancaster.
King Richard II of England witheld the future Henry IV's inheritance from him giving Henry reason to return to England to claim his lands and titles.
Letters. 15th March 1399. Letter XXVII. [his future wife] Joanna of Navarre afterwards Queen of Henry IV to King Richard II.
My most dear and redoubted lord,.
I desire every day to be certified of your good estate, which our Lord grant that it may ever be as good as your heart desires and as I should wish it for myself. If it would please you to let me know of it, you would give me great rejoicings in my heart, for every time that I hear good news of you I am most perfectly glad at heart. And if to know tidings from this side would give you pleasure, when this was written my lord, I, and our children were together in good health of our persons, thanks to our Lord, who by his grace ever grant you the same. I pray you, my dearest and most redoubted lord, that it would ever please you to have the affairs of my said lord well recommended, as well in reference to the deliverance of his lands as other things, which lands in your hands are the cause why he sends his people promptly towards you. So may it please you hereupon to provide him with your gracious remedy, in such manner that he may enjoy his said lands peaceably; even as he and I have our perfect surety and trust in you more than in any other. And let me know your good pleasure, and I will accomplish it willingly and with a good heart to my power.
My dearest and most redoubted lord, I pray the Holy Spirit that he will have you in his holy keeping.
Written at Vannes, the 15th day of March. The Duchess of Bretagne.
On 7th July 1399 [his uncle] Edmund of Langley 1st Duke of York appointed William Scrope 1st Earl Wiltshire, Henry Green and John Bussy to protect Kent against invasion by Henry Bolingbroke Earl of Derby.
After 7th July 1399 Henry Bolingbroke Earl of Derby landed at Ravenspur with Thomas Rempston.
William Ros 6th Baron Ros Helmsley joined Henry Bolingbroke Earl of Derby with a large retinue.
In August 1399 Thomas Wendesley, following the success of King Henry IV of England received a grant for life of land worth £24 a year in the High Peak, and within the next few months three lucrative stewardships of Macclesfield, Cheshire, the High Peak and Chesterfield, Derbyshire were in his hands.
On 19th August 1399 King Richard II of England surrendered to Henry Bolingbroke Earl of Derby at Flint Castle. William Ros 6th Baron Ros Helmsley was present [Note. Wikipedia states Berkeley Castle?]
On 30th September 1399 King Henry IV of England became King of England usurping the throne of his cousin Richard II and Richard's heir, the seven year old Edmund Mortimer 5th Earl of March who was descended from Edward III's second son [his uncle] Lionel of Antwerp Duke of Clarence. This second usurption was to have far reaching consequences since it subsequently became the descent by which the House of York claimed precedence over the House of Lancaster being one of the causes of the Wars of the Roses. Duke Lancaster, Duke of Hereford, Earl Derby, Earl Lancaster and Earl of Leicester merged with the Crown.
[his brother-in-law] Ralph Neville 1st Earl of Westmoreland was appointed Earl Marshal.
The Deposition of King Richard II. This reply was a most joyful hearing for us. After this the duke entered the castle, armed at all points, except his basinet, as you may see in this history. Then they made the king, who had dined in the donjon, come down to meet Duke Henry, who, as soon as he perceived him at a distance, bowed very low to the ground; and as they approached each other he bowed a second time, with his cap in his hand; and then the king took off his bonnet, and spake first in this manner: "Fair cousin of Lancaster, you be right welcome." Then Duke Henry replied, bowing very low to the ground, "My Lord, I am come sooner than you sent for me: the reason wherefore I will tell you. The common report of your people is such, that you have, for the space of twenty or two and twenty years, governed them very badly and very rigorously, and in so much that they are not well contented therewith. But if it please our Lord, I will help you to govern them better than they have been governed in time past."y
Note y. Language of the same kind Richard was made to employ in two orders speedily issued for the purpose of keeping the peace and repressing any attempt of his own friends; one dated at Chester August 20th; and another at Lichfield August 24th. They both speak of the duke in these words; "qui jam idem regnum nostrum pro regimine et gubernatione ejusdem, ac diversis defectibus, in eodem regno existentibus, emendandis, aliisque de causis est ingressus."
Ilustration 14. King Richard II of England (standing in black and red) surrendering to King Henry IV of England (holding the white staff) at Flint Castle.
If the date laid down by our historian in page 151 be correct, and those of the writs given in Rymer equally so, it would follow that the former of these instruments would seem to have been framed by anticipation upon Henry's authority, and set forth in the king's name before his arrival; since, according to the text, Richard was not brought into the city of Chester till Tuesday, the twenty-second of August. But there appears strong reason to suspect that the writer may not have been accurate as to the day of the month on which the king was taken from Flint castle, though there may be no doubt that he is right as to the day of the week. I am inclined, with Carte, to place this event on August 19 [1399]; which I find by calculation to have fallen on Tuesday in that year, and then the dates of the documents in Rymer will follow in their right course. The king would be on Wednesday, August 20, at Chester, where the first writ was issued; and after remaining there three days, and setting out on the fourth from his leaving Flint, inclusive, might be at Lichfield on his way to London, on Sunday, the twenty-fourth of the same month; where the second writ was issued. Indeed the Monk of Evesham asserts that they halted at Lichfield the whole of Sunday, being the festival of Saint Bartholomew the apostle, which by the calendar corresponds to August 21, and accords with the indisputable authority in Rymer.
Froissart Book 4 Chapter 116. 30th September 1399. On a Wednesday, the last day of September 1399, Henry duke of Lancaster held a parliament at Westminster; at which were assembled the greater part of the clergy and nobility of England, and a sufficient number of deputies from the different towns, according to their extent and wealth. In this parliament, the duke of Lancaster challenged the crown of England, and claimed it as his own, for three reasons: first, by conquest; secondly, from being the right heir to it; and, thirdly, from the pure and free resignation of it to him, by king Richard, in the presence of the prelates, dukes and earls in the hall of the Tower of London. These three claims being made, he required the parliament to declare their opinion and will. Upon this, they unanimously replied, that it was their will he should be king, for they would have no other. He again asked, if they were positive in this declaration; and, when they said they were, he seated himself on the royal throne. This throne was elevated some feet from the floor, with a rich canopy of cloth of gold, so that he could be seen by all present. On the king's taking his seat, the people clapped their hands for joy. and held them up, promising him fealty and homage. The parliament was then dissolved, and the day of coronation appointed for the feast of Saint Edward, which fell on a Monday, the 13th of October.
On 13th October 1399 King Henry IV of England was crowned IV King of England at Westminster Abbey. Archbishop Thomas Fitzalan aka Arundel officiated. Bishop Robert Braybrooke carried the sacraments and said mass.
The future [his son] King Henry V of England carried the Sword Curtana. Thomas Beauchamp 12th Earl Warwick and/or [his illegitimate half-brother] John Beaufort 1st Marquess Somerset and Dorset carried a sword wrapped in red and bound with golden straps symbolising two-fold mercy. Henry Percy 1st Earl of Northumberland carried the Lancaster Sword.
Thomas Percy 1st Earl of Worcester carried the Steward's baton. Thomas Erpingham carried a Sword.
Edmund Stafford 5th Earl Stafford was appointed Knight of the Bath. John Lancaster 1st Duke Bedford, John Arundell and Richard Beauchamp 13th Earl Warwick were knighted.
Archbishop Richard Scrope attended.
On 10th November 1399 [his son] King Henry V of England was created 1st Duke Lancaster by King Henry IV of England.
In December 1399 the Epiphany Rising was an attempt to restore King Richard II of England to the throne replacing King Henry IV of England.
On 17th December 1399 the conspirators met at Abbey House Westminster Abbey including Thomas Blount, Thomas Despencer 1st Earl Gloucester, Thomas Holland 1st Duke Surrey, [his brother-in-law] John Holland 1st Duke Exeter, Ralph Lumley 1st Baron Lumley, John Montagu 3rd Earl Salisbury, Edward 2nd Duke of York 1st Duke Albemarle, Bernard Brocas. They plotted to capture King Henry IV of England at a Tournament in Windsor, Berkshire on the Feast of Epiphany hence the Epiphany Rising.
Before 7th January 1400 King Henry IV of England was forewarned, probably by Edward 2nd Duke of York 1st Duke Albemarle, and began to raise an army in London.
After 7th January 1400. Henry IV's Parliament. 2.30. Also, be it remembered that whereas Thomas Holland, formerly earl of Kent, [his brother-in-law] John Holland, formerly earl of Huntingdon, John Montague, formerly earl of Salisbury, Thomas, formerly Lord Despenser, and Ralph Lumley, knight, recently rose up in various parts of England and rode in warlike manner, treacherously, against our lord the king, contrary to their allegiance, to destroy our said lord the king and other great men of the realm, and to populate the said realm with people of another tongue, they were seized and beheaded in their armed uprising by the loyal lieges of oursaid lord the king; and for that reason all the lords temporal present in parliament, by the assent of the king, declared and adjudged the said Thomas, John, John, Thomas, and Ralph to be traitors for their armed uprising against their aforesaid liege lord, and that they should forfeit as traitors all the lands and tenements that they held in fee simple on 5 January, the eve of the feast of the Epiphany of our lord Jesus Christ, in the first year of the reign of our aforesaid lord [1400], or after, as the law of the land requires, together with all their goods and chattels, notwithstanding the fact that they were killed during the said armed uprising without due process of law.
In 1400 [his brother-in-law] John Cornwall 1st Baron Fanhope 1st Baron Milbroke and [his sister] Elizabeth Lancaster Duchess Exeter were married. She the daughter of [his father] John of Gaunt 1st Duke Lancaster and [his mother] Blanche Duchess of Lancaster.
On 14th February 1400 (exact date not known) King Richard II died at Pontefract Castle where he had been imprisoned three months before; possibly murdered, possibly starved to death. His death was a consequence of the Epiphany Rising; he was still considered a threat.
Edmund Mortimer 5th Earl March 7th Earl of Ulster de jure Heir to the Throne of England since he was descended from Philippa Plantagenet Countess March 2nd Countess Ulster the daughter of [his uncle] Lionel of Antwerp 1st Duke of Clarence. The new King Henry IV ignored his claim. Edmund Mortimer 5th Earl March 7th Earl of Ulster and his brother Roger Mortimer were imprisoned in Windsor and Berkhamstead castles respectively; they were treated well.
On 17th February 1400 Richard's corpse was displayed at St Paul's Cathedral.
On 6th March 1400 Richard's remains were buried at King's Langley Priory, Hertfordshire.
Letters. 15th February 1400. Letter XXVIII. [his future wife] Joanna of Navarre afterwards Queen of Henry IV to her future Husband Henry IV.
My very dear and most honourable lord and cousin, Since I am desirous to hear of your good estate, which our Lord grant that it may ever be as good as your noble heart knows best how to desire, and, indeed, as I would wish it for myself, I pray you, my most dear and honoured lord and cousin, that it would please you very often to let me know the certainty of it, for the very great joy and gladness of my heart; for every time that I can hear good news of you, it rejoices my heart very greatly. And if of your courtesy you would hear the same from across here, thanks to you, at the writing of these presents I and my children were together in good health of our persons, thanks to God who grant yon the same, as Johanna of Bayalen, who is going over to you, can tell you more fully, whom please it yon to have recommended in the business on which she is going over. And if anything that I can do over here will give you pleasure, I pray you to let me know it, and I will accomplish it with a very good heart, according to my power.
My dearest and most honoured lord and cousin, I pray the Holy Spirit to have you in his holy keeping.
Written at Vannes, the 15th day of February. The Duchess of Bretagne.
Around April 1400 the newly crowned King Henry IV of England created a number of new Garter Knights, including his children, to replace those of who had been executed during the Epiphany Rising.
95th [his son] John Lancaster 1st Duke Bedford.
96th Humphrey Lancaster 1st Duke Gloucester.
97th Thomas Fitzalan 10th Earl of Surrey 5th or 12th Earl of Arundel.
Letters. 12th November 1400. Letter XXIX. The Prioress of Rowney to King Henry IV.
To the most excellent prince and lord in Christy lord' Henry, by God's grace illustrous king of England and France, and lord of Ireland, his humble and devoted oratrice the prioress of Rowney sends the divine suffrages of prayers, with all sorts of reverence and honour;.
By the tenor of these presents I certify to your royal highness that the sister Joanna Adeleshey, a nun of the order of St. Benedict, and notoriously professed in the same house, wanders and roams abroad from country to country, in a secular habit despising her vow of obedience to the grievous danger of her soul, and manifest scandal of her order, and pernicious example of others. May it therefore please your royal excellency of your royal clemency, hitherto ever gracious, to extend the secular arm for the capture of the said Joanna, to be chastised according to the rule of her order in a ease of this kind, lest for want of due chastisement a plant given up to divine culture may thus perish. And may He who gives to all kings to reign preserve your royal majesty in prosperity. Given at Rbwney, the 12th day of November, a.d. 1400.
On 10th March 1401. Henry IV's Royal Assent was given to "De heretico comburendo", by which heretics were to be burned at the stake in reaction to the Lollard movement.
The request "... the said church would be injured or gravely oppressed or even perturbed by certain perverse doctrines, or wicked, heretical or erroneous opinions; nevertheless, various perfidious and perverse people of a certain new sect, believing damnable things of the said faith, the sacrament of the church, and its authority, rashly usurping the office of preacher, contrary to divine and ecclesiastical law, perversely and maliciously preach and teach these days, publicly and secretly, under simulation of the colour of sanctity, various new doctrines and wicked, heretical and erroneous opinions, contrary to this same faith and the holy decrees of the sacrosanct church ...".
The answer: "and they shall cause these same persons to be publicly burnt in a high place; and may punishment of this sort strike fear into the minds of others.".
On 2nd March 1401 William Sawtrey was the first heretic to be burned although his burning pre-dated the statute.
On 22nd June 1402 Owain ap Gruffudd "Glyndŵr" Mathrafal Prince Powys defeated the army of Edmund Mortimer at Knighton, Radnorshire, who was captured, at the Battle of Bryn Glas.
King Henry IV of England made no attempt to ransom Mortimer and, consequently, Mortimer changed his allegiance, and subsequently married Owain's daughter.
Walter Devereux died from wounds.
On 6th July 1402 [his son-in-law] Louis Wittelsbach III Elector Palatine and Blanche Lancaster Elector Palatinate were married. She the daughter of King Henry IV of England and Mary Bohun. He the son of Rupert King Germany.
On 14th September 1402 Henry Percy 1st Earl of Northumberland and his son Henry "Hotspur" Percy lay in wait at Homildon Hill, Northumberland for the Scots to return from their laying waste to Northumberland. The Battle of Homildon Hill was a victory for the English forces whose longbowmen decimated the Scottish schiltrons. Henry Fitzhugh 3rd Baron Fitzhugh fought for the English.
John Swinton was killed.
Thomas Dunbar 2nd Earl of Moray and Henry Sinclair 2nd Earl Orkney were captured.
Archibald Douglas 1st Duke Touraine was wounded. King Henry IV of England forbade the ransoming of Scottish prisoners so that he could concentrate on the Welsh. By doing so he created a rift with the Percy family who subsequently defected to Owain ap Gruffudd Glyndŵr.
William Stewart of Jedworth and Teviotdale was executed by Henry "Hotspur" Percy having been captured.
John Stewart 1st of Dalswinton and Garlies fought at the Battle of Homildon Hill.
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Letters. 1403. Letter XXX. Christine Dunbar Countess of March to Henry IV.
My most excellent and redoubted sovereign lord,.
I recommend myself to you as entirely as terrestrial creature can think or devise to the crowned king of the world, humbly thanking you on my knees for the high favours and benefits that you have conferred upon me before this time, piously supplicating for your gracious continuance, and particularly for the gracious refreshment which you lately sent. May God reward you for it, since I cannot.
My most gracious lord, may it please you to know that my lord my husband and I have been in such hardships and distress since we were banished from our country, that I am yet involved in heavy debt, from which without your gracious aid and succour I cannot deliver myself; and now the pestilence is so violent and severe where we are, that I am very fearful lest I shoald die in this great debt that I have incurred. And by no intreaty that we can make can we obtain sufferance from our enemies to retire to our fortress of Colbrandspath, there to wait till the mortality has ceased. And for this cause I humbly entreat your high royal majesty that you will be pleased to have me in remembrance when you shall find leisure, and help me, that by your gracious relief I may be freed from the debt which makes me sad. Besides this, my most redoubted and gracious lord, we suffer great enmity on account of the death of Sir Henry Percy, which oftentimes is so heavy to my husband and his people, that they wish themselves dead, if they may not retire from this country, seeing that the people of the said Sir Henry Percy do nothing but hear comfortable news of you, in order then to do the malice that is in their hearts. And, my most gracious and sovereign lord, touching the capture of our people by those attending on the Earl of Douglas deign to give credence to the bearer of this, and ordain such remedy as you please, according to what the said bearer shall tell you by word of mouth. And I pray most earnestly the ever-blessed God of Heaven to grant you a long life, with all increase of honour and joy, together with victory over yoar enemies; and after this mprtal life may he grant you the kingdom of glory. Amen.
Your humble oratrice, The Countess of March of Scotland.
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On 7th February 1403 King Henry IV of England and Joanna of Navarre Queen Consort England were married at Winchester, Hampshire. His third marriage, her second. She had eight children with her first husband but, despite ten years of marriage, none with Henry. She the daughter of Charles "Bad" II King Navarre and Joan Valois Queen Consort Navarre. He the son of John of Gaunt 1st Duke Lancaster and Blanche Duchess of Lancaster.
On 26th February 1403 [his wife] Joanna of Navarre Queen Consort England was crowned Queen Consort England at Westminster Abbey.
Beauchamp Pageant. [26th February 1403] 4. Here sheweshowe [his wife] Dan Jone Duches of Breteyn doughter of the Kyng of Navern. and newe wedded wif to henry the iiijth kyng of Englond was Crowned Quene of this noble Reame of Englond.
Note. On the 7th February 1403 King Henry IV married at Winchester, Joan, daughter of Charles the Bad, King of Navarre, and widow of John IV Duke of Brittany (by whom she had eight children), and on the 26th of the same month she was crowned Queen in the Abbey Church of Westminster. The picture shows the Queen sitting on a canopied chair, with a tester of the impaled arms of England and Navarre, set upon a hexagonal stage of six steps. She is vested in a long gown or tunic and mantle with tasselled cords, and has her hair "decently let down about her shoulders" in accordance with the rubric.1 In her left hand she holds the sceptre with the cross and in her right the rod.2 The crown, which is arched over, is being placed upon her head by the Archbishop, who stands on her right, assisted by the Abbot of Westminster, who stands on her left. Both are mitred, and the Archbishop is in mass vestments, but the Abbot in a cope over, apparently, an albe and grey amess. Behind the Archbishop, on the floor, stand two clerks in surplices and grey amesses, one of whom bears the Archbishop's cross. Two other clerks in amesses, one carrying his crosier, likewise stand on the floor behind the Abbot. On this same side also stand four of the Queen's ladies, in long gowns and mantles with coronets over their unbound hair. Opposite them is a group of peers, bareheaded and in their robes, the foremost being the Earl Marshal with his rod. The ceremony is conventionally shown as taking place within a canopied recess flanked by buttresses.
Note 1. "Laxatos circa humeros decenter habens crines." i.e. "Having hair loosened around the shoulders in a proper manner." Liber Regalis.
Note 2. According to Liber Regalis the sceptre should be in the right hand and the rod in the left, and they were not delivered until after the crowning.
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On 3rd April 1403 King Henry IV of England and [his wife] Joanna of Navarre Queen Consort England were married by proxy at Eltham Palace, Kent with Antoine de Riczi representing Joanna of Navarre Queen Consort England.
On 21st July 1403 King Henry IV of England, with his son the future King Henry V of England, defeated the rebel army of Henry "Hotspur" Percy at the Battle of Shrewsbury at the site now known as Battlefield, Shrewsbury. King Henry V of England took an arrow to the side of his face. John Stanley was wounded in the throat. Thomas Strickland fought and was awarded £38 and two of the rebel Henry's horses. Richard Beauchamp 13th Earl Warwick fought for the King. Walter Blount, the King's Standard Bearer, was killed by Archibald Douglas 1st Duke Touraine.
Thomas Wendesley, Edmund Cockayne and Robert Goushill were killed.
Edmund Stafford 5th Earl Stafford was killed. Humphrey Stafford succeeded 6th Earl Stafford, 7th Baron Stafford.
Hugh Shirley was killed; he was one of four knights dressed as King Henry IV of England.
Of the rebels, Henry "Hotspur" Percy, Madog Kynaston and John Clifton were killed.
Thomas Percy 1st Earl of Worcester was beheaded after the battle. Earl Worcester extinct.
Richard Vernon 11th Baron Shipbrook was hanged. Baron Shipbrook forfeit.
John Rossall was killed. His sister Eleanor Rossall inherited a half-share in the Rossall Shrewsbury estates.
John Massey was killed.
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Before 15th February 1404 [his illegitimate half-brother] Thomas Beaufort 1st Duke Exeter and [his sister-in-law] Margaret Neville Countess Dorest were married. He the illegitmate son of [his father] John of Gaunt 1st Duke Lancaster and [his step-mother] Katherine Swynford aka Roet Duchess Lancaster.
Letters. 4th November 1405. Letter XXXI. Philippa Queen of Portugal to her brother Henry IV.
Most high and most puissant prince, my most supremely beloved brother.
I recommend myself to your high nobleness as humbly and entirely as I can or know how with all my entire heart, supremely desiring to hear and know often of your estate and health; and in special of the prosperity of your most genteel person, as good, pleasant, and joyous news as you yourself, most noble prince, could best devise, or in any manner desire, for your sovereign ease and comfort. And because I am certain that you would most willingly hear similar things from here, I signify to you that the king my sovereign lord, all my children, your own nephews, who wish always to be most humbly recommended to you, and I their mother, your own sister, at the making of these presents were all well and hearty of body, thanks to our Creator, who ever maintain you in honour and prosperity according to your desire.
Most high and puissant prince, my best beloved brother, please it you to know that by Mr. John Wiltshire, knight and ambassador of our cousin the Earl of Arundel, I am here informed how a sum of gold is yet owing to you by the said earl, which he pledged himself to pay you for the license which it pleased your gracious lordship to grant and give him in his nonage, that he might marry according to his wish, and in whatever place he saw fitting to his estate. And since you know well, my supremely best-loved brother, that he is now married not after his own seeking but as by your commandment, in part at my instance, I therefore supplicate you, since you are so great and noble a prince, as entirely as I know how, that it will please you to quit claim to the said sum at this my request, in order that I, who am in part the cause of his marriage, may be the cause of the acquittal of the said sum. And if there be anything in these parts which might give you pleasure, may it please you to command and certify it to me, and I will do it to my utmost power without hypocrisy. So I pray our sovereign Lord Jesu ever to give you prosperity, plesaunce, and joy, and very long to endure. Written at the palace of Lisbon, the 4th day of November.
Your entire and loyal sister, P. de P.
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On 26th November 1405 Thomas Fitzalan 10th Earl of Surrey 5th or 12th Earl of Arundel and Beatrice Aviz Duchess Exeter were married. King Henry IV of England and [his wife] Joanna of Navarre Queen Consort England were present at their wedding feast. She the illegitmate daughter of [his brother-in-law] King John I of Portugal and Ines Peres. He the son of Richard Fitzalan 9th Earl of Surrey 4th or 11th Earl of Arundel and Elizabeth Bohun Countess Arundel and Surrey.
Letters. 1406. Letter XXXII. [his illegitimate half-sister] Joanna Counters of Westmoreland to her brother Henry IV.
Most high and puissant prince, and most excellent sovereign lord,.
I recommend myself to your royal and high lordship in the most obedient manner which, with my whole, entire, and simple heart, I can most humbly do, as she who desires to know of you, and of your most noble estate and most perfect health, such prosperity as your royal and most honourable heart can desire. And may it please your high nobleness to understand that I write now to your royal presence in behalf of your loyal liege and esquire, Christopher Standith, who, as he has certified me, has been in your service in Wales every time you have been there against your enemies, and besides, in all your most honourable journeys since your coronation, in which he has expended the substance that he could acquire of his own and of his friends, in such wise that, whereas he and my well beloved his wife Margaret (daughter to Mr. Thomas Fleming, who was chancellor and servant during his life to my most honoured and redoubted lord your father, whom God assoil) kept house and establishment, they have left it, and the said Margaret is lodged very uncomfortably with her children, of whom she has many, having one or two every year; and all this on account of the great charge which her said husband has incurred and still incurs in your service; to whom, of your gracious goodness and gentleness, you have aforetime promised guerdon of his labour, whenever he should spy out [something] from which [he could have a living] of 40 marks or of 40 pounds. And, most puissant and excellent prince and my most sovereign lord, he is the youngest [and his father has dismissed him from] his service, and that merely because he and his wife married each other for downright love, without thinking this time [what they should have to live upon. Wherefore 1) entreat your most high and puissant lordship to consider that the said Margaret should dwell [in some suitable place, or else with the queen your wife, whom God protect; and that she is come to me trusting that my [intercession] might avail her with you. May it please you to be gracious lord to her and her said husband, and of your guerdon [assist them] to support in their persons poor gentility, that their affiance may turn to good effect for them, and to my honour, if it please you, by their finding succour from your royal and most excellent nobility^ on account of this my most effectual supplication.
Most high and puissant prince and most excellent sovereign lord, I pray God to grant you a most honourable and long life, and preserve you in his most excellent keeping, and give entire joy and gladness as much as your gentle and most noble heart would choose or desire.!Written at the castle of Raby. Your most humble and obedient subject, if it please you, J. DB W.
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On 26th October 1406 [his son-in-law] King Eric of Norway, Denmark and Sweden and Philippa Lancaster Queen Consort Denmark were married. She the daughter of King Henry IV of England and Mary Bohun.
On 16th June 1407 John IV Count Armagnac and [his step-daughter] Blanche Montfort Countess Armagnac were married. She the daughter of John Montfort V Duke Brittany and [his wife] Joanna of Navarre Queen Consort England. He the son of Bernard VII Count Armagnac and Bonne Valois Countess Armagnac and Savoy.
On 26th July 1407 Alan IX Viscount Rohan and [his step-daughter] Marguerite Montfort Viscountess Rohan were married. She the daughter of John Montfort V Duke Brittany and [his wife] Joanna of Navarre Queen Consort England.
On 22nd May 1409 [his daughter] Blanche Lancaster Elector Palatinate died in childbirth at Haguenau.
On 16th March 1410 [his illegitimate half-brother] John Beaufort 1st Marquess Somerset and Dorset died at Hospital of St Katharine's by the Tower, Tower Hill. He was buried at St Michael's Chapel, Canterbury Cathedral. [his illegitimate nephew] Henry Beaufort 2nd Earl Somerset succeeded 2nd Earl Somerset.
On 25th November 1410 Isabel de Lingen was granted a Royal License to found a Collegiate Church at St Bartholemew's Church, Tong by King Henry IV of England at a cost of £40.
On 5th July 1411 [his illegitimate half-brother] Thomas Beaufort 1st Duke Exeter was created 1st Earl Dorset. [his sister-in-law] Margaret Neville Countess Dorest by marriage Countess Dorset.
In November 1411 Thomas Lancaster 1st Duke of Clarence and Margaret Holland Duchess Clarence were married. She the daughter of Thomas Holland 2nd Earl Kent and Alice Fitzalan Countess Kent. He the son of King Henry IV of England and Mary Bohun.
Chronicle of Gregory. 1412. And the same year the kyng let make to be smetyn newe nowblys, but they were of lasse wyght thenne was the olde nobylle by the paysse of an halpeny wyght, soo that a nobylle shuld wey but iiij d. and halfe a peny, and that l. nowblys shulde make a pounde of Troye wyght.
In 1412 [his son] Thomas Lancaster 1st Duke of Clarence was created 1st Duke Clarence by King Henry IV of England. [his daughter-in-law] Margaret Holland Duchess Clarence by marriage Duchess Clarence.
Letters. 1412. Letter XXXIII. [his half-sister] Catherine daughter of John of Gaunt, Queen of Castile and Leon, to her brother Henry IV.
Most high and powerful Don Henry, by God's grace king of England and France, lord of Ireland, my most dear and beloved, and with all my heart, and with my entire mind, most cherished brother and lord, I, undoubted Queen of Castile and Leon, mother of the king and his guardian, and Governor of his realms, send to recommend myself to your favour and benediction, and much to salute you as him, to whom I pray that God would give as much health and life with honour as you yourself desire.
Most dear and beloved brother and lord, I entreat that by all means, as continually as you can, you will certify and let me know of your health, and life, and good estate and of the [his wife] Queen your companion, my dearest and best-loved sister; and of the Prince of Wales, and the other princes your sons, my dearest and best-loved nephews; by which you will do me most singular pleasure and honour, and it will be a thing which will greatly please me, since it ia one of the most principal things of this world at which my heart is most joyous and consoled. And since, dearest and best-loved brother and lord, I know well that you will be pleased with the same thing, I certify and let you know, that, at the time when this letter was written, the said king my son, your dearest and best-loved nephew, and I, and the infantas Donna Maria and Donna Catalina my daughters, your dearest and best-loved nieces, are well, and in good disposition of our persons; praise to God, who thus grant us to continue, and by his same grace grant it to you at all times.
Moreover, dearest and best-loved brother and lord, we give you to know that, having seen your writing which you sent me by John de Samora, your messenger, and understood its contents, whereas I find there how you complain that the truce was past some days before a prolongation was fixed for another following year, according as he will make relation to you. About this, and, moreover, about the coming of your ambassadors, who should come to join themselves with those whom the king my son should send, to see and determine upon the damage and mischief which those who are injured have received of their own goods, f send to you the said John de Samora, who will speak of some things that he will have to say to you from me, and of others which have been already confirmed in my name, which he will tell you. Wherefore, dearest and best-beloved brother and lord, I request you that it would please you to give faith and credence to the things that he will say to you on my part in this matter. Dearest and best-loved brother and lord, may the Holy Trinity ever have you in his holy keeping! Written in the city of Valladolid, the 30th day of July. I THE Queen.
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Letters. After 1412. Letter XXXIV. Joanna de Kynnesley to King Henry IV.
Supplicates most humbly a poor and simple woman, Joanna de Kynnesley; that whereas John de Kynnesley, her husband, by hate and malice, was put in prison within the castle of Norwich, where he has long lain through false suggestions, that it would please your most gracious lordship, for the love of God, and for the souls of your most noble faher and mother, whom God assoil, to grant and give to your said suppliant your gracious letters, sealed under your seal, made in due form, directed to the Sheriff of the county of Norfolk, charging and straitly commanding him to deliver up the body of the said John out of prison, that he may go at large, to an swer before your royalty, in case any one should accuse him; and she will pray God for you and for your progenitors for ever.
On 20th March 1413 King Henry IV of England died in the Jerusalem Chamber, Cheyneygates, Westminster Abbey in Westminster Abbey confirming a prophesy that he would die in Jerusalem. King Henry V of England succeeded V King of England. His sons King Henry V of England and Humphrey Lancaster 1st Duke Gloucester were present. He was buried in the Chancel of Canterbury Cathedral.
Chronicle of Gregory. 20th March 1413. Ande that same year the kyng dyde at Westemyster, the xx day of Marche, the year of our lord Ml CCCC and xij; and he is byryde at Cauntyrbury be-syde the schryne.
On 10th June 1437 [his former wife] Joanna of Navarre Queen Consort England died at Havering atte Bower, Essex.
Letters. 22nd May 1441. Letter XXXVI. Constance Baroness Hussey to King Henry IV.
To the king our sovereign lord,.
Beseecheth meekly your humble and continual oratrice Dame Constance, the wife of Henry Husee, knight, the which was menial servant with the most worthy and Christian king your father, whose soul God assoil, and continued in his service as well beyond the sea as on this side the sea all the times of his noble reign, without any fee or reward; that whereas your said oratrice continued in the service of the noble princess your grandame, whose soul God assoil, as well in the time of your full noble father and ayeul (grandfather) as in yours, unto the time of his dying, in recompense of which service it liked the queen your said grandame, of her grace special, for the term of her life, to grant by her gracious letters patent unto your said oratrice 20/. yearly, to be taken of the issues and profits of the manor of Kingsthorp, in the county of Northampton; and also in likewise 100^. yearly, to be taken of the issues and profits of the manor of Odiham, in the county of Southampton, as in the said letters patent openly appeareth; that it please you of your especial grace tenderly to consider the long service of the said Sir Henry and Dame Constance, that they never had other fee nor reward than the said 25/., the which is now ceased by the death of your said grandame, and thereupon to grant unto your said oratrice, by your several letters patents, the said 25/. in like form as she had it, term of her life, yearly to be taken of the issues and profits of the manors abovesaid. And your said oratrice shall pray God continually for you. Beneath is written - "The Chamberlain of England. My lord hath granted this bill; notwithstanding that it was signed with his ow^n hand, yet he commanded me to endorse it.".
Letters and Papers Foreign and Domestic Henry VIII 1509. April 1509. Will of Henry VII:
At his manor of Richmond, Surrey March 24 Henry VII., the King makes his last will, commending his soul to the Redeemer with the words he has used since his first "years of discretion," Domine Jesu Christe, qui me ex nichilo creasti, fecisti, redemisti et predestinasti ad hoc quod sum, Tu scis quid de me facere vis, fac de me secundum voluntatem Tuam cum misericordia, trusting in the grace of His Blessed Mother in whom, after Him, has been all his (testator's) trust, by whom in all his adversities he has had special comfort, and to whom he now makes his prayer (recited), as also to all the company of Heaven and especially his "accustumed avoures" St. Michael, St. John Baptist, St. John Evangelist, St. George, St. Anthony, St. Edward, St. Vincent, St. Anne, St. Mary Magdalene and St. Barbara, to defend him at the hour of death and be intercessors for the remission of his sins and salvation of his soul.
Desires to be buried at Westminster, where he was crowned, where lie buried many of his progenitors, especially his granddame [his former daughter-in-law] Catharine wife to Henry V and daughter to Charles of France, and whereto he means shortly to translate the remains of Henry IV in the chapel which he has begun to build (giving full directions for the placing and making of his tomb and finishing of the said chapel according to the plan which he has "in picture delivered" to the prior of St. Bartholomew's beside Smithfield, master of the works for the same); and he has delivered beforehand to the abbot, &c., of Westminster, £5,000, by indenture dated Richmond, 13 April 23 Hen VII, towards the cost.
His executors shall cause 10,000 masses in honor of the Trinity, the Five Wounds, the Five Joys of Our Lady, the Nine Orders of Angels, the Patriarchs, the Twelve Apostles and All Saints (numbers to each object specified) to be said within one month after his decease, at 6d. each, making in all £250 and shall distribute 2,£000 in alms; and to ensure payment he has left 2,£250 with the abbot, &c., of West-minster, by indenture dated (blank) day of (blank) in the (blank) year of his reign.
His debts are then to be paid and reparation for wrongs made by his executors at the discretion of the following persons, by whom all complaints shall be tenderly weighed, viz, the abp of Canterbury, Richard bp of Winchester, the bps of London and Rochester, Thomas Earl of Surrey, Treasurer General, George Earl of Shrewsbury, Steward of the House, Sir Charles Somerset Lord Herbert, Chamberlain, the two Chief Justices, Mr. John Yong, Master of the Rolls, Sir Thomas Lovell, Treasurer of the House, Mr. Thomas Routhall, secretary, Sir Ric Emson, Chancellor of the Duchy, Edm. Dudley, the King's attorney at the time of his decease, and his confessor, the Provincial of the Friars Observants, and Mr. William Atwater, dean of the Chapel, or at least six of them and three of his executors.
His executors shall see that the officers of the Household and Wardrobe discharge any debts which may be due for charges of the same.
Lands to the yearly value of above 1,000 mks have been "amortised" for fulfilment of certain covenants (described) with the abbey of Westminster.
For the completion of the hospital which he has begun to build at the Savoie place beside Charingcrosse, and towards which 10,000 mks in ready money has been delivered to the dean and chapter of St. Paul's, by indenture dated (blank), his executors shall deliver any more money which may be necessary; and they shall also make (if he has not done it in his lifetime) two similar hospitals in the suburbs of York and Coventry.
Certain cathedrals, abbeys, &c., named in a schedule hereto annexed [not annexed now] have undertaken to make for him orisons, prayers and suffrages "while the world shall endure," in return for which he has made them large confirmations, licences and other grants; and he now wishes 6s. 8d. each to be delivered soon after his decease to the rulers of such cathedrals, &c., 3s. 4d. to every canon and monk, being priest, within the same and 20d. to every canon, monk, vicar and minister not being priest. His executors shall bestow 2,£000 upon the repair of the highways and bridges from Windsor to Richmond manor and thence to St. George's church beside Southwark, and thence to Greenwich manor, and thence to Canterbury.
To divers lords, as well of his blood as other, and also to knights, squires and other subjects, he has, for their good service, made grants of lands, offices and annuities, which he straitly charges his son, the Prince, and other heirs to respect; as also the enfeoffments of the Duchy of Lancaster made by Parliaments of 7 and 19 Henry VII. for the fulfilment of his will.
Bequests for finishing of the church of the New College in Cambridge and the church of Westminster, for the houses of Friars Observants, for the altar within the King's grate (i.e. of his tomb), for the high altar within the King's chapel, for the image of the King to be made and set upon St. Edward's shrine, for the College of Windsor, for the monastery of Westminster, for the image of the King to be set at St. Thomas's shrine at Canterbury, and for chalices and pixes of a certain fashion to be given to all the houses of Friars and every parish church not suitably provided with such.
Bequest of a dote of 50,£000 for the marriage of Lady Mary the King's daughter with Charles Prince of Spain, as contracted at Richmond (blank) Dec. 24 Henry VIII., or (if that fail) her marriage with any prince out of the realm by "consent of our said son the Prince, his Council and our said executors.".
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Shropshire Archaeological Society. The King to all those who shall see, or hear of these our letters, greeting. Know ye that of our special favour, and for the sum of £40- paid into the Treasury of our Chancellor, we have granted and given permission on our own behalf, and, as far as is in our power, on behalf of our heirs, to Isabel, relict of Fulke de Pembrugge, Knight, to Walter Swan [Shaw], clerk, and to William Mosse, clerk, that they may have authority to acquire from our beloved in Christ, the Abbot and Convent of Shrewsbury, which is in our patronage, the patrons of the Church of St. Bartholomew the Apostle, of Tong, in the County of Salop, and diocese of Lichfield, the advowson and patronage of this same Church of Tong, which is held from us in cabile; to be possessed and held for ever of us and our heirs by its due and accustomed services by the same Isabel, Walter, and William, their heirs and assignees; an annual pension of six shillings and eightpence accruing from the fruits and emoluments of this same Church of Tong, which the same Abbot and Convent and their predecessors have been wont to receive from it, being reserved to the same Abbot and Convent and their successors.
Parliament Rolls Richard II. 5. The following are assigned to be triers of petitions from England, Ireland, Wales, and Scotland:
[his father] The duke of Guyenne and duke of Lancaster.
[his uncle] The duke of Gloucester.
The Earl of Derby.
Sir Philip Spenser.
William Thirning.
William Rickhill.
John Wadham.
to act all together, or at least six of the aforesaid prelates and lords; consulting with the chancellor, treasurer, steward, and chamberlain, and also the king's serjeants when necessary. And they shall hold their session in the chamberlain's room near the Painted Chamber.
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Parliament Rolls Richard II. 33. Also, on the same Saturday [10 February 1397], a charter of the king made to the earl marshal touching his office of marshal of England, and the gold staff adorned with the emblem of the king's arms which he will carry in his office, was read and delivered to the said earl. The tenor of which charter follows:
The king to the same, greeting. Know that whereas recently by our letters patent of our special grace we granted to our beloved kinsman Thomas, Earl of Nottingham, the office of marshal of England, together with the name and honour of earl marshal, to have to him and his male heirs issuing from his body, with all the fees, profits, and appurtenances whatsoever pertaining in any way to the said office, in perpetuity; as is fully contained in the same letters. We, mindful of the gracious and laudable services often performed by the aforementioned earl, on either side of the sea, for the benefit and honour of us and our kingdom, at no small effort, cost, and charge to him; and wishing therefore to provide for the estate and honour of that earl, of our special grace have granted in our present parliament for us and our heirs to the same earl the said office, and the name, title, and honour of earl marshal of England, to have to him and his male heirs issuing from his body, together with all offices, commodities, profits and other appurtenances whatsoever, both in our courts and elsewhere, relating or pertaining in any way to the same office, in the same manner and as fully, freely, wholly, and peacefully as Thomas Brotherton, lately Earl of Norfolk and marshal of England, father of our beloved kinswoman Margaret Countess of Norfolk, [widow] of the aforesaid late earl, or Roger Bigod sometime Earl of Norfolk and marshal of England, or any other after the death of the same former earl, or the same present earl, had or held the said office of marshal of England in their time.
Willing further and granting for us and our heirs, that the office of marshal of our Bench before us, which John Wicks holds for the term of his life by our grant, and the office of marshal in our treasury which Richard Gascoigne holds for his life by grant of our beloved brother Thomas Earl of Kent, lately marshal of England, by our confirmation; and also the office of herald of the marshal before the steward and marshal of our household, which Guy Allesley holds for his life by grant of the lord Edward [III], late king of England, our grandfather, and by our confirmation; which offices after the death of the aforesaid John, Richard and Guy should revert to us and our heirs, after the death of the same John, Richard, and Guy shall remain to the aforementioned earl marshal, to have to him and his male heirs in perpetuity. And that the same offices, and all other offices in any of our courts and elsewhere, which pertained, and used to pertain to the said office of marshal of England in times past, shall be fully restored, annexed, and reunited to the said office of marshal of England in perpetuity. And that the same earl and his male heirs may give, grant, or confer those offices on any suitable persons freely and without hindrance as soon as they shall have fallen vacant by death, demise, resignation, surrender, or in any other way, notwithstanding any of our letters patent made to the contrary.
Considering also the vigour and nobility of that earl, and that he may in future the more fittingly and honourably perform and exercise the aforesaid office, we have granted for us and our heirs to the same present earl that he and his said male heirs, marshals of England, by virtue of their aforesaid office should have, carry, and bear, as well in the presence as in the absence of us and our heirs, a certain gold staff, with both ends enamelled in black, and with the emblem of our arms decorating the top of the said staff, and with the emblem of the arms of that earl decorating the bottom of the said staff; notwithstanding that the same present earl in his time, or the aforementioned former earls, or any other who had the said office of marshal of England before this time, used to carry or bear a wooden staff. Witnessed by these, the venerable fathers Thomas archbishop of Canterbury, primate of all England, Robert of London, William of Winchester, John of Ely, Edmund of Exeter, our chancellor, bishops; John of Aquitaine and Lancaster, Edmund of York, dukes, our beloved uncles; Henry of Derby, Edward of Rutland, Henry of Northumberland, earls; Reginald Grey of Ruthin, Ralph Neville, John Lovell, knights; Roger Walden, dean of York, our treasurer, Thomas Percy, steward of our household, and others. Given by our hand at Westminster on 10 February 1397.
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