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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Paternal Family Tree: Yorke
On 19th May 1755 [his father] Charles Yorke [aged 32] and [his mother] Catherine Blount Freeman [aged 18] were married. He the son of [his grandfather] Philip Yorke 1st Earl of Hardwicke [aged 64] and [his grandmother] Margaret Cocks Countess Hardwicke.
On 31st May 1757 Philip Yorke 3rd Earl of Hardwicke was born to [his father] Charles Yorke [aged 34] and [his mother] Catherine Blount Freeman [aged 20].
On 10th July 1759 [his mother] Catherine Blount Freeman [aged 22] died of a malignant fever. She was buried at St Andrew's Church, Wimpole [Map]. Armorial 
Yorke Arms differenced with a crescent to indicate son of the current holder; her husband [his father] Charles Yorke [aged 36] with an inescutcheon of Freeman Arms quartered with unknown arms two lions passant guardant with a bordure engrailed.
Stylised sarcophagus in white veined marble, bearing a white inscription panel; above is an urn in brown marble against a grey background standing on a base of three steps around which are grouped three putti: two garlanding the urn while the third stands by in dejection with reversed torch; in front of the steps is a portrait medallion and at the base of the sarcophagus is an achievement of arms; signed 'JAMES STUART [aged 46], INVT. PR. SCHEEMAKERS [aged 68], SCULP. MDCCLXI'.
Catherine Blount Freeman: Around 1737 she was born to William Freeman of Hamels in Hertfordshire and Catherine Blount. On 19th May 1755 Charles Yorke and she were married. He the son of Philip Yorke 1st Earl of Hardwicke and Margaret Cocks Countess Hardwicke.
On 30th December 1762 [his father] Charles Yorke [aged 40] and [his step-mother] Agneta Johnson [aged 22] were married. He the son of [his grandfather] Philip Yorke 1st Earl of Hardwicke [aged 72] and [his grandmother] Margaret Cocks Countess Hardwicke.
On 20th January 1770 [his father] Charles Yorke [aged 47] died. He was buried at St Andrew's Church, Wimpole [Map]. Grey marble obelisk on break-front pedestal of white marble with inscription tablet flanked by festoons and frieze carved with emblems of the Chancellor's office; at the base of the obelisk two putti unveil a portrait medallion and at the apex is an achievement of arms; signed 'P. SCHEEMAKER [aged 79] FaT'.
Around 1780 George Romney [aged 45]. Portrait formerley thought to be of [his future wife] Elizabeth Lindsay Countess Hardwicke [aged 16] but now thought to be her husband's [aged 22] step-mother Agneta Johnson
Elizabeth Lindsay Countess Hardwicke: On 1st October 1763 she was born to James Lindsay 5th Earl Balcarres and Anne Dalrymple Countess Balcarres. On 24th July 1782 Philip Yorke 3rd Earl of Hardwicke and she were married. She the daughter of James Lindsay 5th Earl Balcarres and Anne Dalrymple Countess Balcarres. On 26th May 1858 Elizabeth Lindsay Countess Hardwicke died at Tyttenhanger House, St Albans [Map].
On 24th July 1782 Philip Yorke 3rd Earl of Hardwicke [aged 25] and Elizabeth Lindsay Countess Hardwicke [aged 18] were married. She the daughter of James Lindsay 5th Earl Balcarres and Anne Dalrymple Countess Balcarres [aged 55].
In 1783 [his daughter] Anne Yorke Countess Mexborough was born to Philip Yorke 3rd Earl of Hardwicke [aged 25] and [his wife] Elizabeth Lindsay Countess Hardwicke [aged 19]. She married 1807 John Savile 3rd Earl Mexborough, son of John Savile 2nd Earl Mexborough and Elizabeth Stephenson Countess Mexborough, and had issue.
On 7th May 1784 [his son] Philip Yorke was born to Philip Yorke 3rd Earl of Hardwicke [aged 26] and [his wife] Elizabeth Lindsay Countess Hardwicke [aged 20].
The History of William Marshal was commissioned by his son shortly after William’s death in 1219 to celebrate the Marshal’s remarkable life; it is an authentic, contemporary voice. The manuscript was discovered in 1861 by French historian Paul Meyer. Meyer published the manuscript in its original Anglo-French in 1891 in two books. This book is a line by line translation of the first of Meyer’s books; lines 1-10152. Book 1 of the History begins in 1139 and ends in 1194. It describes the events of the Anarchy, the role of William’s father John, John’s marriages, William’s childhood, his role as a hostage at the siege of Newbury, his injury and imprisonment in Poitou where he met Eleanor of Aquitaine and his life as a knight errant. It continues with the accusation against him of an improper relationship with Margaret, wife of Henry the Young King, his exile, and return, the death of Henry the Young King, the rebellion of Richard, the future King Richard I, war with France, the death of King Henry II, and the capture of King Richard, and the rebellion of John, the future King John. It ends with the release of King Richard and the death of John Marshal.
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On 14th April 1786 [his daughter] Catherine Yorke Countess Caledon was born to Philip Yorke 3rd Earl of Hardwicke [aged 28] and [his wife] Elizabeth Lindsay Countess Hardwicke [aged 22]. She married 16th October 1811 Du Pre Alexander 2nd Earl Caledon, son of James Alexander 1st Earl Caledon, and had issue.
On 23rd August 1787 [his son] Charles Yorke was born to Philip Yorke 3rd Earl of Hardwicke [aged 30] and [his wife] Elizabeth Lindsay Countess Hardwicke [aged 23]. He died aged four in 1791.
In 1789 [his daughter] Elizabeth Yorke Lady Stuart was born to Philip Yorke 3rd Earl of Hardwicke [aged 31] and [his wife] Elizabeth Lindsay Countess Hardwicke [aged 25]. She married 6th February 1816 Charles Stuart 1st Baron Stuart de Rothesay and had issue.
On 16th May 1790 [his uncle] Philip Yorke 2nd Earl of Hardwicke [aged 69] died. His nephew Philip [aged 32] succeeded 3rd Earl Hardwicke, 3rd Viscount Royston. He was buried at St Andrew's Church, Wimpole [Map]. Monument at the De Grey Mausoleum, St John the Baptist Church, Flitton [Map] sculpted by Thomas Banks [aged 54]..
On 28th December 1791 [his son] Charles Yorke [aged 4] died.
On 15th October 1794 [his daughter] Caroline Yorke Countess Somers was born to Philip Yorke 3rd Earl of Hardwicke [aged 37] and [his wife] Elizabeth Lindsay Countess Hardwicke [aged 31]. She married before 14th July 1819 her third cousin John Somers-Cocks 2nd Earl Somers, son of John Cocks 1st Earl Somers, and had issue.
On 14th July 1797 [his son] Charles James Yorke was born to Philip Yorke 3rd Earl of Hardwicke [aged 40] and [his wife] Elizabeth Lindsay Countess Hardwicke [aged 33].
On 12th August 1800 [his son] Joseph John Yorke was born to Philip Yorke 3rd Earl of Hardwicke [aged 43] and [his wife] Elizabeth Lindsay Countess Hardwicke [aged 36]. He died aged less than one years old.
In March 1801 [his son] Joseph John Yorke died.
In 1803 King George III of Great Britain and Ireland [aged 64] created new Garter Knights as follows:
624th John Henry Manners 5th Duke Rutland [aged 25].
625th Philip Yorke 3rd Earl of Hardwicke [aged 45]. His brother [his half-brother] Admiral Joseph Sydney Yorke [aged 34] stood in for the Earl at the investiture since the Earl was Lord Lieutenant of Ireland at the time and unable to be present.
After 1806. Thomas Phillips [aged 35]. Portrait of Philip Yorke 3rd Earl of Hardwicke [aged 48].
I A Hervey [aged 15] presented for the appointment of [?] by his Excellency the Earl of Hardwicke [aged 48] do make oath and swear that I have caused search to be made for a Parish register whereby to ascertain my age but am unable to produce the same and further I make oath and swear that from the information of my parents [Andrew Barnard [aged 49] and Margaret Maria Moncrieffe [aged 43]] and other relations which information I verily believe to be true that I was born in the parish of St George Fields in the County of Surrey on the 25th Day Sept in the year 1790 and that I am not at this time under the age of fifteen or above Twenty Two years. Witness my Hand this 19th Day of February in the our Lord 1806. Andrew Harvey. Sworn before me this 19th Feb 1806 [Undecipherable Signature] of His Majesty's Justice of the Peace for the Counter of Surrey and Middlesex.
Andrew Hervey: On 25th June 1790 he was born to Andrew Barnard and Margaret Maria Moncrieffe. On 14th June 1862 Andrew Hervey died.
Abbot John Whethamstede’s Chronicle of the Abbey of St Albans
Abbot John Whethamstede's Register aka Chronicle of his second term at the Abbey of St Albans, 1451-1461, is a remarkable text that describes his first-hand experience of the beginning of the Wars of the Roses including the First and Second Battles of St Albans, 1455 and 1461, respectively, their cause, and their consequences, not least on the Abbey itself. His text also includes Loveday, Blore Heath, Northampton, the Act of Accord, Wakefield, and Towton, and ends with the Coronation of King Edward IV. In addition to the events of the Wars of the Roses, Abbot John, or his scribes who wrote the Chronicle, include details in the life of the Abbey such as charters, letters, land exchanges, visits by legates, and disputes, which provide a rich insight into the day-to-day life of the Abbey, and the challenges faced by its Abbot.
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The London Gazette 15905. Dublin Castle, March 28, 1806.
The Duke of Bedford [aged 39], who embarked at Holyhead on Tuesday Night the 25th Instant, on board His Majesty's Yacht the Dorset, arrived in this Harbour early this Morning. His Grace on his Arrival in Dublin, was received by the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, Sheriffs, and Commons of the City of Dublin.
His Grace, attended by a Squadron of Dragoons, proceeded to the Castle, and the Council having assembled at Three o'Clock, His Grace was introduced in form to His Excellency the Earl, of Hardwicke [aged 48], who received him sitting under the Canopy of State in the Presence Chamber, from whence a Procession was made in the usual State to the Council Chamber: The Council sitting, His Grace's Commission was tead, and the Oath being administered to him, His Grace was invested with the Collar of the most illustrious Order of Saint Patrick, and received the Sword of State from the Earl of Hardwicke.
His Grace afterwards repaired to the Presence Chamber, and received the Compliments of the Nobility and other Persons of Distinction upon his safe Arrival, and taKing upon him the Government of Ireland.
In 1807 [his son-in-law] John Savile 3rd Earl Mexborough [aged 23] and Anne Yorke Countess Mexborough [aged 24] were married. She the daughter of Philip Yorke 3rd Earl of Hardwicke [aged 49] and Elizabeth Lindsay Countess Hardwicke [aged 43]. He the son of John Savile 2nd Earl Mexborough [aged 45] and Elizabeth Stephenson Countess Mexborough [aged 45].
On 4th April 1808 [his son] Philip Yorke [aged 23] drowned in a storm off Memel in a ship called the Agatha of Lübeck.
On 30th April 1810 [his son] Charles James Yorke [aged 12] died of scarlet fever.
On 31st July 1810 Philip Yorke 3rd Earl of Hardwicke [aged 53] was appointed Admiral of the Blue.
On 16th October 1811 [his son-in-law] Du Pre Alexander 2nd Earl Caledon [aged 33] and Catherine Yorke Countess Caledon [aged 25] were married at St James' Church, Piccadilly. She the daughter of Philip Yorke 3rd Earl of Hardwicke [aged 54] and Elizabeth Lindsay Countess Hardwicke [aged 48]. He the son of James Alexander 1st Earl Caledon.
On 6th February 1816 [his son-in-law] Charles Stuart 1st Baron Stuart de Rothesay [aged 37] and Elizabeth Yorke Lady Stuart [aged 27] were married. She the daughter of Philip Yorke 3rd Earl of Hardwicke [aged 58] and Elizabeth Lindsay Countess Hardwicke [aged 52].
Before 14th July 1819 [his son-in-law] John Somers-Cocks 2nd Earl Somers [aged 31] and Caroline Yorke Countess Somers [aged 24] were married. She the daughter of Philip Yorke 3rd Earl of Hardwicke [aged 62] and Elizabeth Lindsay Countess Hardwicke [aged 55]. He the son of John Cocks 1st Earl Somers [aged 59]. They were third cousins.
On 27th March 1825 [his brother-in-law] Alexander Lindsay 6th Earl Balcarres 23rd Earl Crawford [aged 73] died. His son James [aged 41] succeeded 7th Earl Balcarres. Maria Pennington Countess Balcarres and Crawford [aged 41] by marriage Countess Balcarres.
On 18th November 1834 Philip Yorke 3rd Earl of Hardwicke [aged 77] died. He was buried in St Andrew's Church, Wimpole [Map]. His nephew Charles [aged 35] succeeded 4th Earl Hardwicke, 4th Viscount Royston. Susan Liddell Countess Hardwicke [aged 24] by marriage Countess Hardwicke.
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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After 18th November 1834. St Andrew's Church, Wimpole [Map]. Monument to Philip Yorke 3rd Earl of Hardwicke [deceased].
Altar tomb with shaped ends and recumbent effigy in Garter robes with Leg Garter, all in white marble; the ends of the tomb chest are carved with arms and heraldic emblems; signed 'R. WESTMACOTT, JUNR, A.R.A. [aged 35] 1844'.
On 26th May 1858 [his former wife] Elizabeth Lindsay Countess Hardwicke [aged 94] died at Tyttenhanger House, St Albans [Map].
Great x 2 Grandfather: Simon Yorke of Dover
Great x 1 Grandfather: Philip Yorke
GrandFather: Philip Yorke 1st Earl of Hardwicke
Father: Charles Yorke
Great x 2 Grandfather: Thomas Cocks of Castleditch Herefordshire
Great x 1 Grandfather: Charles Cocks
GrandMother: Margaret Cocks Countess Hardwicke
Great x 2 Grandfather: John Somers
Great x 1 Grandmother: Mary Somers
Philip Yorke 3rd Earl of Hardwicke
GrandFather: William Freeman of Hamels in Hertfordshire
Mother: Catherine Blount Freeman
Great x 4 Grandfather: Thomas Pope Blount of Blount's Hall Staffordshire and Tyttenhanger in Hertfordshire 
Great x 3 Grandfather: Henry Blount
Great x 2 Grandfather: Thomas Blount 1st Baronet
Great x 4 Grandfather: Christopher Wase
Great x 3 Grandmother: Hester Wase
Great x 1 Grandfather: Thomas Pope Blount 2nd Baronet
Great x 4 Grandfather: Charles Adelmare Caesar
Great x 3 Grandfather: Henry Caesar
Great x 2 Grandmother: Jane Ceasar
Great x 4 Grandfather: Robert Angell of London
Great x 3 Grandmother: Elizabeth Angell
GrandMother: Catherine Blount