Chronicle of Walter of Guisborough
A canon regular of the Augustinian Guisborough Priory, Yorkshire, formerly known as The Chronicle of Walter of Hemingburgh, describes the period from 1066 to 1346. Before 1274 the Chronicle is based on other works. Thereafter, the Chronicle is original, and a remarkable source for the events of the time. This book provides a translation of the Chronicle from that date. The Latin source for our translation is the 1849 work edited by Hans Claude Hamilton. Hamilton, in his preface, says: 'In the present work we behold perhaps one of the finest samples of our early chronicles, both as regards the value of the events recorded, and the correctness with which they are detailed; Nor will the pleasing style of composition be lightly passed over by those capable of seeing reflected from it the tokens of a vigorous and cultivated mind, and a favourable specimen of the learning and taste of the age in which it was framed.'
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In 1792 Mary Watts was born to [her father] David Pike Watts (age 37).
On 29th January 1811 Jesse Watts-Russell (age 24) and Mary Watts (age 19) were married. She the heiress of a welthy wine merchant.
In 1812 [her son] Jesse David Watts-Russll was born to [her husband] Jesse Watts-Russell (age 25) and Mary Watts (age 20). He married 4th June 1835 Mary Nevill Wright.
On 29th July 1816 [her father] David Pike Watts (age 62) died. His daughter Mary Watts (age 24) and her husband [her husband] Jesse Watts-Russell (age 30) inherited Ilam Hall, Staffordshire.
Memorials of Francis Chantrey RA in Hallamshire and Elsewhere Part V London Life and Works. The interest of my visit to the mausoleum containing this affecting piece of sculpture, was considerably enhanced by the appearance of a most exquisite stone cross, which had just been erected in the adjacent village, by the [her husband] benevolent proprietor (age 32) of Ilam, in memory of his wife (age 27), the lady above mentioned, one or two of whose children, with their father, the clergyman of the place, and Mr. Derrick, of Oxford, the architect, were at the moment inspecting the newly-finished work. This out door incident formed a touching commentary on the monument in the church! I have always understood that the elegant residence of Jesse Watts Russell, Esq., owes something of its architectural beauty to the taste of Chantrey (age 37), who certainly designed the Parsonage House adjacent.
Memorials of Francis Chantrey RA in Hallamshire and Elsewhere Part V London Life and Works. To this period belongs the execution of the celebrated monument-one of the largest of its class in England - of David Pike Watts [Map], Esq., now in a chapel erected for its reception in the church [Map] adjoining Ilam Hall, near Dovedale. In this fine work of art, the venerable man is represented "on his bed of death, from which he has raised himself by a final effort of expiring nature, to perform the last solemn act of a long and virtuous life: his only daughter- [ Mrs. Watts Russell (age 27) ] -and her children, all that were dearest to him in life, surround his couch, and bend at his side, as they receive from his lips the benedictions of a dying parent, when the last half-uttered farewell falters upon them."
How did that sculptured group command Our wonder, which hath ravish'd thousand eyes: The kneeling mother, and the soft surprise Of the three little ones that near her stand: ' Than this - thy genius, Chantrey (age 37)! scarce could rise Higher, with trophies fresh from Nature won; Art, how transcendent, when such power is given, To fix expression in the Parian stone, Which turns rapt thought towards holiness and heaven! "
After 21st June 1820 [her father-in-law] Jesse Russell died. During his life he was described as a soap boiler, of Goodman's Yard, Minories, London and Walthamstow, Essex. His son [her husband] Jesse Watts-Russell (age 34) received a half-share of estates in Essex and a third-share of the residue of personalty sworn under £500,000; see PROB 11/1632/437; IR26/836/679. The date 21st June 1820 is based on his son Jesse Watts-Russell taking a fortnight's leave from Parliament on account of his father's illness
On 31st May 1831 [her son-in-law] Norton Joseph Knatchbull 10th Baronet (age 22) and [her daughter] Mary Watts-Russell were married.
On 4th June 1835 [her son] Jesse David Watts-Russll (age 23) and [her daughter-in-law] Mary Nevill Wright were married. They had nine or more children.
In 1840 Mary Watts (age 48) died.
Annals of the six Kings of England by Nicholas Trivet
Translation of the Annals of the Six Kings of England by that traces the rise and rule of the Angevin aka Plantagenet dynasty from the mid-12th to early 14th century. Written by the Dominican scholar Nicholas Trivet, the work offers a vivid account of English history from the reign of King Stephen through to the death of King Edward I, blending political narrative with moral reflection. Covering the reigns of six monarchs—from Stephen to Edward I—the chronicle explores royal authority, rebellion, war, and the shifting balance between crown, church, and nobility. Trivet provides detailed insight into defining moments such as baronial conflicts, Anglo-French rivalry, and the consolidation of royal power under Edward I, whose reign he describes with particular immediacy. The Annals combines careful year-by-year reporting with thoughtful interpretation, presenting history not merely as a sequence of events but as a moral and political lesson. Ideal for readers interested in medieval history, kingship, and the origins of the English state, this chronicle remains a valuable and accessible window into the turbulent world of the Plantagenet kings.
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On 20th June 1843 [her former husband] Jesse Watts-Russell (age 57) and Maria Barker were married.
On 22nd November 1862 [her former husband] Jesse Watts-Russell (age 76) and Martha Leach were married.
On 28th March 1875 [her former husband] Jesse Watts-Russell (age 88) died. He left Ilam Hall, Staffordshire, which he had had rebuilt 'in the Gothic style' in the 1820s, and which Dyott deemed 'most magnificent' and 'splendidly furnished', together with estates in Derbyshire and Northamptonshire, to his eldest son, [her son] Jesse David Watts-Russll (age 63).
[her daughter] Mary Watts-Russell was born to Jesse Watts-Russell and Mary Watts. She married 31st May 1831 Norton Joseph Knatchbull 10th Baronet, son of Edward Knatchbull 9th Baronet and Annabella Christiana Honywood, and had issue.