Anne Boleyn. Her Life as told by Lancelot de Carle's 1536 Letter.
In 1536, two weeks after the execution of Anne Boleyn, her brother George and four others, Lancelot du Carle, wrote an extraordinary letter that described Anne's life, and her trial and execution, to which he was a witness. This book presents a new translation of that letter, with additional material from other contemporary sources such as Letters, Hall's and Wriothesley's Chronicles, the pamphlets of Wynkyn the Worde, the Memorial of George Constantyne, the Portuguese Letter and the Baga de Secrets, all of which are provided in Appendices.
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Paternal Family Tree: St John
Maternal Family Tree: Margaret Hussey 1389-1418
Around 1533 Margaret St John Countess Bedford was born to [her father] John St John [aged 39] and [her mother] Margaret Waldegrave [aged 47] at Bletsoe, Bedfordshire.
Before 8th February 1542 [her brother] Oliver St John 1st Baron St John [aged 20] and [her sister-in-law] Agnes Fisher Baroness St John Bletso [aged 16] were married.
Before 1548 Francis Russell 2nd Earl Bedford [aged 20] and Margaret St John Countess Bedford [aged 14] were married. He the son of John Russell 1st Earl Bedford [aged 62] and Anne Sapcote Countess Bedford [aged 68].
In 1548 [her daughter] Anne Russell Countess Warwick was born to [her husband] Francis Russell 2nd Earl Bedford [aged 21] and Margaret St John Countess Bedford [aged 15]. She married 11th November 1565 Ambrose Dudley 3rd Earl Warwick, son of John Dudley 1st Duke Northumberland and Jane Guildford Duchess Northumberland.
In 1551 [her son] Henry Russell was born to [her husband] Francis Russell 2nd Earl Bedford [aged 24] and Margaret St John Countess Bedford [aged 18]. He married Jane Sibella Morrison Baroness Grey Wilton, daughter of Richard Morrison and Bridget Hussey Countess Bedford.
Around 1553 [her son] John Russell was born to [her husband] Francis Russell 2nd Earl Bedford [aged 26] and Margaret St John Countess Bedford [aged 20]. He married Elizabeth Cooke and had issue.
Around 1554 [her son] Francis Russell was born to [her husband] Francis Russell 2nd Earl Bedford [aged 27] and Margaret St John Countess Bedford [aged 21]. He married Juliana or Eleanor Unknown and had issue.
On 14th March 1555 [her father-in-law] John Russell 1st Earl Bedford [aged 70] died. His son [her husband] Francis [aged 28] succeeded 2nd Earl Bedford, 2nd Baron Russell of Cheneys. Margaret St John Countess Bedford [aged 22] by marriage Countess Bedford.
On 14th March 1559 [her mother-in-law] Anne Sapcote Countess Bedford [aged 80] died. Her son [her husband] Francis Russell 2nd Earl Bedford [aged 32] inherited Chenies Manor House, Buckinghamshire [Map]
Around 1560 [her son] William Russell 1st Baron Russell was born to [her husband] Francis Russell 2nd Earl Bedford [aged 33] and Margaret St John Countess Bedford [aged 27]. He married 13th February 1585 Elizabeth Long Baroness Russel Thornhaugh and had issue.
William of Worcester's Chronicle of England
William of Worcester, born around 1415, and died around 1482 was secretary to John Fastolf, the renowned soldier of the Hundred Years War, during which time he collected documents, letters, and wrote a record of events. Following their return to England in 1440 William was witness to major events. Twice in his chronicle he uses the first person: 1. when writing about the murder of Thomas, 7th Baron Scales, in 1460, he writes '… and I saw him lying naked in the cemetery near the porch of the church of St. Mary Overie in Southwark …' and 2. describing King Edward IV's entry into London in 1461 he writes '… proclaimed that all the people themselves were to recognize and acknowledge Edward as king. I was present and heard this, and immediately went down with them into the city'. William’s Chronicle is rich in detail. It is the source of much information about the Wars of the Roses, including the term 'Diabolical Marriage' to describe the marriage of Queen Elizabeth Woodville’s brother John’s marriage to Katherine, Dowager Duchess of Norfolk, he aged twenty, she sixty-five or more, and the story about a paper crown being placed in mockery on the severed head of Richard, 3rd Duke of York.
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On 7th July 1560 [her daughter] Margaret Russell Countess Cumberland was born to [her husband] Francis Russell 2nd Earl Bedford [aged 33] and Margaret St John Countess Bedford [aged 27]. She married 1577 her third cousin George Clifford 3rd Earl of Cumberland, son of Henry Clifford 2nd Earl of Cumberland and Anne Dacre Countess Cumberland, and had issue.
On 1st January 1562 the New Years Gift Giving was held. Those who gave gifts provide an interesting who's who of the Elizabethan Court soon after Elizabeth I's Coronation. Queen Elizabeth [aged 28] was present since a number are described as "With the Qene her Majestie."
For 'dimy' read 'demi' ie half-sovereigns.
Neweeyeur's Gyftes gevon to the Quene her Majestie by those Parsons whose Names hereafter ensue, the first of January, the Yere above wrytten.
By the Lady Margaret Strainge [aged 22], a little round mounte of golde to conteyne a pomaunder in it. With the Qene her Majestie. Note. Lady Margaret Strange married Henry Stanley Lord Strange [aged 30] on 07 Feb 1555. In 1561 he had not succeeded to Earldom of Derby and was known by the courtesy title Lord Strange. She is listed first since she was one of the few remaining direct descendants of Henry VII, being a great-granddaughter by his daughter Mary Tudor. Margaret Clifford was first in line to succeed in 1568 but died in 1596 before Elizabeth I.
Dukes, Marquises and Earls.
By the Duke of Norfolke [aged 25], in a purse of purple silke and golde knit, in sundry coynes of golde £20 0s 0d.
By the Marquis of Winchester [aged 79], High Threasourer of Englande, in a purse of crymsen satten, in angells £20 0s 0d.
By the Marquis of Northampton [aged 50], in a purse of crymsen silke and gold knit, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.
By the Earle of Arundell [aged 49], Lord Steward, in a paper, in angels, £30 0s 0d.
By the Earle of Shrewesburye [aged 34], in a red silke purse, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.
By the Earle of Darbye [aged 52], in a purse of crymsen satten, embraudered with golde, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.
By the Earle of Pembroke [aged 61], in a purse of black silk and silver knit, in new angells £30 0s 0d.
By the Earle of Bedforde [aged 35], in a purse of black silk and golde knytt, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.
By the Earle of Rutlande [aged 35], in a purse of red silk and golde knytt, in dimy soveraigns and angells £20 0s 0d.
By the Earle of Huntingdon, in a red silk purse, in angells £15 0s 0d.
By the Earle of Westmerlande [aged 37], in a red silk purse, in dimy soveraigns £10 0s 0d.
By the Earle of Oxforde [aged 46], in a red silk purse, in dimy soveraigns £10 0s 0d.
By the Earle of Northumberlande [aged 34], in a purse of black silke and silver knytt, in angells £10 0s 0d. With the Quene her Highness.
By the Earle of Warwike [aged 32], a smocke wrought with black silk, a peire of slevis, and a partelett wrought with gold, silver, and black silke. Delivered to the Baroness Cobham [aged 23].
By the Viscounte Mountague [aged 33], in a purse of cloth of golde, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d. With her said Majestie.
Bishops. The list of Bishops ends with "With her said Majestie"; unclear whether this refers to all the Bishops listed.
By the Archbusshop of Caunterbury [aged 57], in a red silk purse, in dimy soveraigns £40 0s 0d.
By the Archbusshop of York [aged 61], in soveraigns £30 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Duresme [aged 42], in a purse of crymson silk and gold knytt, in angells £30 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Ely [aged 69], in a red vellat purse, in angells £30 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Wynchester [aged 52], in a purse of crymsen silk and gold knytt and set with pearles, in angells £20 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of London [aged 43], in a red satten purse, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Salisbury [aged 39], in a red satten purse, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Worcester [aged 43], in a black vellat purse, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Lyncoln [aged 42], in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Chychester [aged 64], in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Norwich [aged 50], in a blew silk purse £13 6s 8d.
By the Busshop of Hereforde [aged 52], in a green silk purse, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Lychfield and Coventry [aged 48], in a red satten purse, in angells £13 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Rochester [aged 48], in a red purse, in gold £13 6s 8d.
By the Busshop of Saint Davies [aged 55], in a red silk purse, in angells £10 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Bathe, in a purse of red silk, in angells £10 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Exetour, in a blew silk purse, in angells £10 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Peterborowe, in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Chester, in a red purse, in angells and soveraignes £10 0s 0d.
Duchesses and Countesses.
By the Duchess of Norfolke [aged 22], in a prse of crymsen silk and gold knyt, in angells £20 0s 0d.
By the Duchess of Somerset [aged 65], in a purse of silver and black silk, in royalls and ducketts £14 0s 0d. Probably the Dowager Duchess of Somerset since her husband Edward Seymour 1st Duke of Somerset had been executed in 1552, and their children disinherited as a result.
By the Countess of Surrey, in a purse of tawny silk and gold, in dimy soveraignes £5 0s 0d. Dowager since her husband Henry Howard 1516-1547, by courtesy Earl Surrey, had been executed in 1547.
By the Countess of Pembroke [aged 38], in a cherry bag of crymsen satten, in new angells £15 0s 0d.
By the Countess of Bedford [aged 36], in a purse of crymsen silk and silver knytt, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.
By the Countess of Darby [aged 51], in a purse of crymson sattin embrodred with gold, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.
By the Countess of Oxford [aged 36], in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes £5 0s 0d.
By the Countess of Shrewisbury, Dowager [aged 62], in a purse of black silk knytt, in dimy soveraignes £12 0s 0d.
By the Countess of Shrewisbury [aged 37], in a red silk purse knytt, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.
By the Countess of Huntingdon, Dowager [aged 51], in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.
By the Countess of Huntingdon [aged 24], in a red purse, in angells £10 0s 0d.
By the Countess of Northumberland [aged 24], in a purse of black silk and silver knytt, in angells £10 0s 0d.
By the Countess of Rutland [aged 29], in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes £13 6s 8d.
Viscountesses.
By the Vicountess Hereford, Dowager [aged 42], six hankercheffes edged with gold delivered to the said Baroness Cobham.
By the Vicountess Mountague [aged 23], in a purse of cloth of gold, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.
Lordes.
By the Lorde Keeper of the Great Seale, Bacon [aged 51], in a purse of silver knytt, in angells £13 6s 8d.
By the Lorde William Howard, Lord Chamberlen [aged 52], in a purse of crymsen silk and gold knytt, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.
By the Lorde Pagett [aged 56], in a greene purse in dimy soveraignes £13 6s 8d.
By the Lorde Clynton, Lord Admyrall [aged 50], in gold £10 0s 0d.
By the Lorde Riche [aged 65], in a red satten purse, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.
By the Lorde North [aged 66], in a purse of purple silk and silver, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.
By the Lorde Lumley [aged 29], in a paper, in angells £20 0s 0d.
By the Lorde Hastings of Loughboro [aged 41], in a red silk purse, in French crowns £13 0s 0d.
By the Lorde Stafford [aged 60], in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes £5 0s 0d.
By the Lorde Windsor [aged 30], in a purse of crymsn silk and gold knytt, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d. With her said Majestie.
by Lorde John Graye [aged 38], a haunce pott of allabaster garnished with silver gilt. Delivered in charge to John Asteley, Esq Master and Threasourer of her Highnes Jewels and Plate. Lord John Grey assumed to be a courtesy title his father being Thomas Grey 2nd Marquess Dorset.
By the Lorde Barkeley [aged 27], in a red purse, in gold £10 0s 0d.
By the Lorde Mountejoye [aged 29], in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.
By the Lorde Abergavennye [aged 36], in a purse of red silke, in dimy soveraignes £5 0s 0d.
By the Lorde Scrowpe [aged 28], in a purse of blak silk and silver knytt, in angells £10 0s 0d.
By the Lorde Caree of Hundesdon [aged 35], in a purse of crymsen silk, in double ducketts £13 6s 8d.
By the Lorde Strainge, in a purse of red silk and gold, in dimy soveraignes £5 0s 0d. Lord Strange being the courtesy title for the Earldom of Derby. He wouldn't inherit until 1572.
By the Lorde Darcey of Chichey [aged 30], in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes, £10 0s 0d.
By the Lorde Shefild [aged 24], in a red silk purse, in gold £10 0s 0d.
By the Lorde Shandowes [aged 40], in a blak silk purse, in angells £10 0s 0d. With her said Majestie.
Ladyes.
By the Baroness Howarde [aged 47], in a purse of crymsen silk and knytt, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d. With her said Majestie.
By the Baroness Clinton [aged 35], a peire of sleevis of gold, pulled out with lawne. Delivered to the said Baroness Cobham.
By the Baroness Genevillet, in gold £6 13s 4d.
By the Lady Barkeley [aged 24], Lord Barkeley's wife, in gold £5 0s 0d.
By the Lady Mountejoye [aged 30], in a red silk purse, in angells £10 0s 0d.
By the Lady Abergavenny, in a red satten purse, in dimy soveraignes £5 0s 0d.
By the Lady Caree of Hundesdon [aged 33], in a blak purse knytt, in angells £10 0s 0d.
By the Lady Taylboyes, Sir Peter Carewe's [aged 48] wyfe, in a purse of blak silk and silver, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d. With her said Majestie.
By the Baroness Cobham, a partelett and a peire of sleeves of sypers wrought with silver and blak silke. Re-delivered to herself.
By the Lady Dakers [aged 21], a warming ball of gold, per oz. 3 oz. dim. With her said Majestie.
By the Lady Shefilde [aged 20], a paire of sleeves wrought with fringe of blak silk and lozeng of gold. Delivered to the said Baroness Cobham.
By the Margaret Baroness Scrope [aged 18], in a purse of blak silk and silver, in angells £7 0s 0d. With her said Majestie.
By the Lady Shandowes [aged 38], a peire of sleeves and a partlett of gold and silver knytt, cawle fashion. Delivered to the said Baroness Cobham.
By the Lady Knowlles [aged 38], a feyne carpett of needleworke, theverende frienged and buttoned with gold and silk. Delivered to John Torneworth, Groom of the Privy Chamber.
By the Lady Butler, in a little white purse, in French crowns £6 0s 0d. With her said Majestie. Unclear as to who Lady Butler refers to.
By the Lady Raclyef, a peire of sleeves of cameryk, all over sett with purle, and two sweet bags. Delivered to the said Baroness Cobham.
On 27th August 1562 [her father] John St John [aged 68] died at Bletsoe, Bedfordshire.
On 27th August 1562 Margaret St John Countess Bedford [aged 29] died at Woburn, Bedfordshire. She was buried at St Michael's Church, Chenies [Map].
Henry Machyn's Diary. 3rd September 1562. The sam day be-gane to make rede for the good lade contes of Bedford [deceased] a grett baner of armes and vj grett baner-rolles and .. skochyons of armes of sylke, and of paper-ryalle vij doshen skochyons of armes.
Note. P. 291. Funeral of the countess of Bedford. Margaret daughter of sir John St. John of Bletsoe, and first wife of Francis second earl of Bedford. "Lady Margaret, countess of Bedford, dyed at Owborne the xxviijth of August, and was beryed the xth of September at Chenyes, in A° 1562." (MS. Harl. 897, f. 84.)
Henry Machyn's Diary. 9th September 1562. The ix day of September was bered the contes of Bedford [deceased] at Chennys with iij haroldes of armes, with a grett baners of mareges [marriages], and vj banar-rolles, and viij dosen of skochyons, and mony mornars in blake.
On 25th June 1566 [her former husband] Francis Russell 2nd Earl Bedford [aged 39] and Bridget Hussey Countess Bedford [aged 40] were married. She by marriage Countess Bedford. He the son of [her former father-in-law] John Russell 1st Earl Bedford and [her former mother-in-law] Anne Sapcote Countess Bedford.
On 28th July 1585 [her former husband] Francis Russell 2nd Earl Bedford [aged 58] died. His grandson Edward [aged 12] succeeded 3rd Earl Bedford, 3rd Baron Russell of Cheneys.
Bedford Chapel, St Michael's Church, Chenies. Monument to [her former husband] Francis Russell 2nd Earl Bedford and Margaret St John Countess Bedford.
The armorials on the visible south side being, left to right:
Dudley Arms impaling 
Russell Arms. [her son-in-law] Ambrose Dudley 3rd Earl Warwick [aged 56] and [her daughter] Anne Russell Countess Warwick [aged 38].
Bourchier Arms impaling Russell Arms. William Bourchier 3rd Earl Bath [aged 28] and Elizabeth Russell Countess Bath
Clifford Arms impaling Russell Arms. George Clifford 3rd Earl of Cumberland [aged 27] and Margaret Russell Countess Cumberland [aged 25].
[her father] John St John and Ann Nevill were married.
[her father] John St John and [her mother] Margaret Waldegrave were married.
Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall
The Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall (Chronicon Anglicanum) is an indispensable medieval history that brings to life centuries of English and European affairs through the eyes of a learned Cistercian monk. Ralph of Coggeshall, abbot of the Abbey of Coggeshall in Essex in the early 13th century, continued and expanded his community’s chronicle, documenting events from the Norman Conquest of 1066 into the tumultuous reign of King Henry III. Blending eyewitness testimony, careful compilation, and the monastic commitment to record-keeping, this chronicle offers a rare narrative of political intrigue, royal power struggles, and social upheaval in England and beyond. Ralph’s work captures the reigns of pivotal figures such as Richard I and King John, providing invaluable insights into their characters, decisions, and the forces that shaped medieval rule. More than a simple annal, Chronicon Anglicanum conveys the texture of medieval life and governance, making it a rich source for scholars and readers fascinated by English history, monastic authorship, and the shaping of the medieval world.
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[her daughter] Elizabeth Russell Countess Bath was born to Francis Russell 2nd Earl Bedford and Margaret St John Countess Bedford. She married 7th August 1583 her half sixth cousin William Bourchier 3rd Earl Bath and had issue.
Kings Wessex: Great x 14 Grand Daughter of King Edmund "Ironside" I of England
Kings Gwynedd: Great x 11 Grand Daughter of Owain "Great" King Gwynedd
Kings Seisyllwg: Great x 17 Grand Daughter of Hywel "Dda aka Good" King Seisyllwg King Deheubarth
Kings Powys: Great x 12 Grand Daughter of Maredudd ap Bleddyn King Powys
Kings England: Great x 8 Grand Daughter of King John of England
Kings Scotland: Great x 13 Grand Daughter of King Duncan I of Scotland
Kings Franks: Great x 21 Grand Daughter of Charles "Charlemagne aka Great" King of the Franks King Lombardy Holy Roman Emperor
Kings France: Great x 15 Grand Daughter of Hugh I King of the Franks
Kings Duke Aquitaine: Great x 18 Grand Daughter of Ranulf I Duke Aquitaine
Great x 4 Grandfather: Oliver St John 
Great x 3 Grandfather: John St John
Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Barre
Great x 2 Grandfather: Oliver St John
Great x 4 Grandfather: John Paulett
Great x 3 Grandmother: Elizabeth Paulet
Great x 1 Grandfather: John St John 7 x Great Grand Son of King John of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Roger Beauchamp 2nd Baron Beauchamp Bletsoe 
6 x Great Grand Son of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England
Great x 3 Grandfather: John Beauchamp 3rd Baron Beauchamp Bletsoe 7 x Great Grand Son of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England
Great x 2 Grandmother: Margaret Beauchamp Duchess Somerset 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: John Stourton 
4 x Great Grand Son of King John of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Edith Stourton Baroness Beauchamp Bletsoe 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England
GrandFather: John St John 8 x Great Grand Son of King John of England
Great x 2 Grandfather: Thomas Bradshaigh
Great x 1 Grandmother: Alice Bradshaigh
Father: John St John 9 x Great Grand Son of King John of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Morgan ap Llewelyn
Great x 3 Grandfather: Philip ap Morgan
Great x 2 Grandfather: Jenkyn ap Philip
Great x 1 Grandfather: Morgan ap Jenkin Lord of Langstone
GrandMother: Sybil of Lansgtone Manor
Margaret St John Countess Bedford 8 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England
Great x 2 Grandfather: William Waldegrave 
Great x 1 Grandfather: Thomas Waldegrave
GrandFather: William Waldegrave
Mother: Margaret Waldegrave 7 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: John Wentworth 
Great x 3 Grandfather: John Wentworth
Great x 4 Grandmother: Joan Tyas
Great x 2 Grandfather: Roger Wentworth
Great x 3 Grandmother: Agnes Dronsfield
Great x 1 Grandfather: Henry Wentworth 8 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Philip Despencer 1st Baron Despencer 
7 x Great Grand Son of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England
Great x 3 Grandfather: Philip Despencer 2nd Baron Despencer 8 x Great Grand Son of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Unknown Baroness Despencer
Great x 2 Grandmother: Margery Despencer 3rd Baroness Despencer, Baroness Ros 7 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Robert Tiptoft 3rd Baron Tibetot 
5 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Elizabeth Tiptoft Baroness Despencer 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Margaret Deincourt Baroness Tibetot 7 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England
GrandMother: Margery Wentworth 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Robert Howard 
2 x Great Grand Son of King John of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: John Howard 3 x Great Grand Son of King John of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Margaret Scales 7 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England
Great x 2 Grandfather: Henry Howard 4 x Great Grand Son of King John of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: William Tendring
Great x 3 Grandmother: Alice Tendring
Great x 1 Grandmother: Elizabeth Howard 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Mark Hussey 3rd Baron Hussey 
Great x 3 Grandfather: Henry Hussey 5 x Great Grand Son of King John of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Margaret Verdun Baroness Hussey 
4 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England
Great x 2 Grandmother: Margaret Hussey 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England