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: Shireburn
In 1522 Richard Shireburn was born to [his father] Thomas Sherborn of Stonyhurst and [his mother] Joan Towneley.
In On 22nd September 1536 [his father] Thomas Sherborn of Stonyhurst died. The wardship of his son Richard Shireburn (age 14) was aquired by Thomas Holcroft (age 31) in June 1538.
In or after June 1538 Richard Shireburn (age 16) and Maud Bold were married. They had five sons and three daughters.
In 1547 [his son] Richard Shireburn was born to Richard Shireburn (age 25) and [his wife] Maud Bold. He married (1) before 1591 Catherine Stourton, daughter of Charles Stourton 8th Baron Stourton and Anne Stanley Baroness Stourton, and had issue (2) after 1591 Anne Keighley.
In October 1553 Richard Shireburn (age 31) was elected MP Lancashire.
In November 1554 Richard Shireburn (age 32) was elected MP Preston.
In 1555 Richard Shireburn (age 33) was elected MP Liverpool.
In 1558 Richard Shireburn (age 36) and Isabel Wood. Before their marriage they had had three illegitimate children.
In 1558 Richard Shireburn (age 36) was elected MP Preston.
On 24th October 1572 Edward Stanley 3rd Earl of Derby (age 63) died at Lathom, Lancashire. His son Henry (age 41) succeeded 4th Earl Derby, 12th Baron Strange Knockin, 8th Baron Mohun of Dunster, 5th Baron Stanley. Margaret Clifford Countess Derby (age 32) by marriage Countess Derby.
Richard Shireburn (age 50) was an executor in his will.
Jean de Waurin's Chronicle of England Volume 6 Books 3-6: The Wars of the Roses
Jean de Waurin was a French Chronicler, from the Artois region, who was born around 1400, and died around 1474. Waurin’s Chronicle of England, Volume 6, covering the period 1450 to 1471, from which we have selected and translated Chapters relating to the Wars of the Roses, provides a vivid, original, contemporary description of key events some of which he witnessed first-hand, some of which he was told by the key people involved with whom Waurin had a personal relationship.
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On 10th November 1588 [his wife] Maud Bold died.
Before 1591 [his son] Richard Shireburn (age 43) and [his daughter-in-law] Catherine Stourton were married. His father (age 68) was in the service of Edward Stanley 3rd Earl of Derby and Henry Stanley 4th Earl of Derby (age 59), father and brother to her mother Anne Stanley Baroness Stourton (age 48).
After 1591 [his son] Richard Shireburn (age 44) and [his daughter-in-law] Anne Keighley (age 42) were married.
On 26th July 1594 Richard Shireburn (age 72) died. He was buried in Church of All Hallows, Great Mitton [Map]. Monument sculpted by Richard and Gabriel Royley of Burton-upon-Trent. Bongrace. Unicorn Pendant. Ruff. Dogs chewing at her dress. Dress Folds at Feet. Chunky Lions Mane. Chest with Weepers holding Shields. Dogs chewing at her dress with Studded Collar.
Father: Thomas Sherborn of Stonyhurst
GrandFather: John Towneley of Towneley
Mother: Joan Towneley