Chronicle of Geoffrey le Baker of Swinbroke
Baker was a secular clerk from Swinbroke, now Swinbrook, an Oxfordshire village two miles east of Burford. His Chronicle describes the events of the period 1303-1356: Gaveston, Bannockburn, Boroughbridge, the murder of King Edward II, the Scottish Wars, Sluys, Crécy, the Black Death, Winchelsea and Poitiers. To quote Herbert Bruce 'it possesses a vigorous and characteristic style, and its value for particular events between 1303 and 1356 has been recognised by its editor and by subsequent writers'. The book provides remarkable detail about the events it describes. Baker's text has been augmented with hundreds of notes, including extracts from other contemporary chronicles, such as the Annales Londonienses, Annales Paulini, Murimuth, Lanercost, Avesbury, Guisborough and Froissart to enrich the reader's understanding. The translation takes as its source the 'Chronicon Galfridi le Baker de Swynebroke' published in 1889, edited by Edward Maunde Thompson.
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Paternal Family Tree: Rich
Before 1559 [his father] Robert Rich 2nd Baron Rich of Leez (age 21) and [his mother] Elizabeth Baldry Baroness Rich Leez (age 21) were married.
In December 1559 Robert Rich 1st Earl Warwick was born to [his father] Robert Rich 2nd Baron Rich of Leez (age 22) and [his mother] Elizabeth Baldry Baroness Rich Leez (age 22).
On 12th June 1567 [his grandfather] Richard Rich 1st Baron Rich (age 70) died at Rochford, Essex. His son [his father] Robert (age 30) succeeded 2nd Baron Rich of Leez. [his mother] Elizabeth Baldry Baroness Rich Leez (age 29) by marriage Baroness Rich of Leez.
In 1581 [his father] Robert Rich 2nd Baron Rich of Leez (age 44) died. In 1581 His son Robert (age 21) succeeded 3rd Baron Rich of Leez.
On 10th January 1581 Robert Rich 1st Earl Warwick (age 21) and Penelope Devereux Countess Devonshire (age 18) were married. She by marriage Baroness Rich of Leez. She the daughter of Walter Devereux 1st Earl Essex and Lettice Knollys Countess Essex and Leicester (age 37).
In 1583 George St Paul 1st Baronet (age 21) and [his future wife] Frances Wray Countess Warwick were married.
On 17th July 1583 Thomas Perrot (age 30) and [his sister-in-law] Dorothy Devereux Countess Northumberland (age 19) were married. The marriage took place without the consent of the Queen to whom Dorothy was lady in Waiting for which Thomas was imprisoned in the Fleet Prison [Map]. She the daughter of Walter Devereux 1st Earl Essex and [his mother-in-law] Lettice Knollys Countess Essex and Leicester (age 39). They were fifth cousins.
On 21st June 1585 Henry Percy 8th Earl of Northumberland (age 53) committed suicide at Tower of London [Map]. He was found dead in his bed in his cell, having been shot through the heart. A jury was at once summoned, and returned a verdict of suicide. He was buried in St Peter ad Vincula Church, Tower of London [Map]. His son Henry (age 21) succeeded 9th Earl of Northumberland, 12th Baron Percy of Alnwick, 20th Baron Percy of Topcliffe, 3rd Baron Percy of Alnwick, 11th Baron Poynings. [his sister-in-law] Dorothy Devereux Countess Northumberland (age 21) by marriage Countess of Northumberland.
In June 1587 [his brother-in-law] Robert Devereux 2nd Earl Essex (age 21) was appointed Master of the Horse.
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 5th June 1587 [his son] Robert Rich 2nd Earl Warwick was born to Robert Rich 1st Earl Warwick (age 27) and [his wife] Penelope Devereux Countess Devonshire (age 24). He married (1) February 1605 Frances Hatton Countess Warwick and had issue (2) before 20th January 1626 Susan Rowe Countess Warwick (3) after 1646 his fifth cousin once removed Eleanor Wortley Countess Sussex Warwick Manchester, daughter of Richard Wortley and Elizabeth Boughton Countess Devonshire.
In 1588 [his brother-in-law] Robert Devereux 2nd Earl Essex (age 22) was appointed 369th Knight of the Garter by Queen Elizabeth I of England and Ireland (age 54).
Around 1589 [his daughter] Essex Rich was born to Robert Rich 1st Earl Warwick (age 29) and [his wife] Penelope Devereux Countess Devonshire (age 25). She married her third cousin once removed Thomas Cheeke and had issue.
In 1589 [his daughter] Lettice Rich was born to Robert Rich 1st Earl Warwick (age 29) and [his wife] Penelope Devereux Countess Devonshire (age 25). She married (1) before 15th February 1616 George Carey (2) before 1619 Arthur Lake.
In 1590 [his brother-in-law] Robert Devereux 2nd Earl Essex (age 24) and Frances Walsingham Countess Essex (age 23) were married. She by marriage Countess Essex. He the son of Walter Devereux 1st Earl Essex and [his mother-in-law] Lettice Knollys Countess Essex and Leicester (age 46). They were half fourth cousin once removed.
Before 19th August 1590 [his son] Henry Rich 1st Earl Holland was born to Robert Rich 1st Earl Warwick (age 30) and [his wife] Penelope Devereux Countess Devonshire (age 27). He married 1616 Isabel Cope Countess Holland and had issue.
On 19th December 1591 [his mother] Elizabeth Baldry Baroness Rich Leez (age 54) died.
Around 1593 [his daughter] Isabella Rich was born to Robert Rich 1st Earl Warwick (age 33) and [his wife] Penelope Devereux Countess Devonshire (age 29). She married her fifth cousin once removed John Smythe and had issue.
In 1593 [his brother-in-law] Robert Devereux 2nd Earl Essex (age 27) was appointed Privy Council.
In 1594 Henry "Wizard Earl" Percy 9th Earl of Northumberland (age 29) and [his sister-in-law] Dorothy Devereux Countess Northumberland (age 30) were married. She the daughter of Walter Devereux 1st Earl Essex and [his mother-in-law] Lettice Knollys Countess Essex and Leicester (age 50). He the son of Henry Percy 8th Earl of Northumberland and Katherine Neville Countess Northumberland (age 49). They were third cousin once removed.
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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In 1599 [his brother-in-law] Robert Devereux 2nd Earl Essex (age 33) was appointed Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.
On 5th August 1599 Alexander Radclyffe of Ordsall Hall (age 26) died of wounds and fever in Ulster while campaigning with the [his brother-in-law] Robert Devereux 2nd Earl Essex (age 33) during the unsuccessful attempt to bring Ireland under English control. The Queen (age 65) herself informed his twin sister of her brother's death.
On 25th February 1601 [his brother-in-law] Robert Devereux 2nd Earl Essex (age 35) was beheaded at Tower Green, Tower of London [Map] as a consequence of his involvement in the Essex Rebellion. Earl Essex, Viscount Hereford, Baron Bourchier and Baron Ferrers of Chartley forfeit. He was the last person to be executed at the Tower of London. It isn't clear whether his other titles Viscount Hereford, Baron Ferrers of Chartley and Baron Bourchier were forfeit.
In 1603 Robert Devereux 3rd Earl Essex (age 11) and Frances Howard Countess Essex and Somerset (age 12) were married. They were separated after the wedding given their young age. Essex went on a European tour from 1607 to 1609. When he returned she avoided him having fallen for Robert Carr 1st Earl Somerset (age 16) whilst her husband was away. He was ill with smallpox. She sought an annulment with her father [his brother-in-law] Robert Devereux 2nd Earl Essex and uncle Henry Howard 1st Earl of Northampton (age 62) acting for her. She maintained the marriage had not been consummated and was examined by ten matrons and two midwives who found her hymen intact. It was widely rumoured at the time that Sir Thomas Monson's (age 38) daughter was a substitute, which is possible because she had requested to be veiled during the examination "for modesty's sake". He maintained he was capable with other women, but was unable to consummate his marriage blaming her. She the daughter of Thomas Howard 1st Earl Suffolk (age 41) and Catherine Knyvet Countess Suffolk (age 39). He the son of Robert Devereux 2nd Earl Essex and Frances Walsingham Countess Essex (age 36). They were fourth cousins.
In 1605 Robert Rich 1st Earl Warwick (age 45) and Penelope Devereux Countess Devonshire (age 41) were divorced.
In February 1605 Robert Rich 2nd Earl Warwick (age 17) and Frances Hatton Countess Warwick (age 15) were married. He the son of Robert Rich 1st Earl Warwick (age 45) and Penelope Devereux Countess Devonshire (age 42).
On 26th December 1605 Charles Blount 1st Earl Devonshire (age 42) and [his former wife] Penelope Devereux Countess Devonshire (age 42) were married at Wansted House, Essex during a service conducted by Archbishop William Laud (age 32) (future). The marriage was regarded as uncanonical and resulted in the disgrace of both parties, who were banished from King James I's court circles. She by marriage Countess Devonshire. She the daughter of Walter Devereux 1st Earl Essex and [his former mother-in-law] Lettice Knollys Countess Essex and Leicester (age 62). They were third cousins.
On 7th July 1607 [his former wife] Penelope Devereux Countess Devonshire (age 44) died.
Before 1612 [his son-in-law] Gervase Clifton 1st Baronet (age 24) and Penelope Rich Lady Clifton were married. She by marriage Lady Clifton of Clifton in Nottinghamshire. She the daughter of Robert Rich 1st Earl Warwick (age 52) and Penelope Devereux Countess Devonshire.
In 1616 Henry Rich 1st Earl Holland (age 25) and Isabel Cope Countess Holland were married. He the son of Robert Rich 1st Earl Warwick (age 56) and Penelope Devereux Countess Devonshire.
In 1616 Robert Rich 1st Earl Warwick (age 56) and Frances Wray Countess Warwick were married. She by marriage Baroness Rich of Leez.
Before 15th February 1616 [his son-in-law] George Carey (age 75) and Lettice Rich (age 27) were married. The difference in their ages was 48 years. She the daughter of Robert Rich 1st Earl Warwick (age 56) and Penelope Devereux Countess Devonshire.
Henrici Quinti, Angliæ Regis, Gesta, is a first-hand account of the Agincourt Campaign, and subsequent events to his death in 1422. The author of the first part was a Chaplain in King Henry's retinue who was present from King Henry's departure at Southampton in 1415, at the siege of Harfleur, the battle of Agincourt, and the celebrations on King Henry's return to London. The second part, by another writer, relates the events that took place including the negotiations at Troye, Henry's marriage and his death in 1422.
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In 1618 Robert Rich 1st Earl Warwick (age 58) was created 1st Earl Warwick. [his wife] Frances Wray Countess Warwick by marriage Countess Warwick.
Before 1619 [his son-in-law] Arthur Lake (age 20) and Lettice Rich (age 29) were married. She the daughter of Robert Rich 1st Earl Warwick (age 59) and Penelope Devereux Countess Devonshire.
On 20th March 1619 Robert Rich 1st Earl Warwick (age 59) died. His son Robert (age 31) succeeded 2nd Earl Warwick, 4th Baron Rich of Leez. Frances Hatton Countess Warwick (age 29) by marriage Countess Warwick.
He was buried at St Lawrence's Church, Snarford [Map]. Unusual head and shoulder portrait sculpture of deceased full face, with a profile of his wife Frances Wray Countess Warwick behind, set in a circular medallion. To either side are pelleted Pilasters supporting an entablature with scrolled Cartouche of arms and flanked by heraldic supporters. The whole is painted and gilded and beneath is a panel containing an inscribed poem. Above his Arms implaled with hers. His are quartered 1&4 
Rich Arms 2&3 Baldry Arms (his mother), hers quartered 1&4 Wray 2&3 Unknown. the monument is perhaps the work of Epiphanius Evesham. Sculpted by Epiphanius Evesham.
Diary of Anne Clifford. 20th March 1619. The 20th my Lord of Warwick (age 59) died at Arlington House leaving a great estate to [his son] Lord Rich (age 31)1 and my good friend his [his daughter-in-law] Lady (age 29), and leaving his wife which was my Lady Lampwell a widow the second time. This day Wat. Coniston made an end of reading Mr Saragol's Book of the Supplication of the Saints which my Lord (age 30) gave me.
Note 1. 2nd Earl of Warwick, the Parliament's Admiral.
Around 1634 [his former wife] Frances Wray Countess Warwick died. She was buried at St Lawrence's Church, Snarford [Map].
[his son] Charles Rich was born to Robert Rich 1st Earl Warwick and Penelope Devereux Countess Devonshire.
[his daughter] Penelope Rich Lady Clifton was born to Robert Rich 1st Earl Warwick and Penelope Devereux Countess Devonshire. She married before 1612 Gervase Clifton 1st Baronet and had issue.
Great x 3 Grandfather: Richard Rich
Great x 2 Grandfather: Thomas Rich
Great x 1 Grandfather: Richard Rich
GrandFather: Richard Rich 1st Baron Rich
Great x 2 Grandfather: Edward Dinley
Great x 1 Grandmother: Joan Dinley
Father: Robert Rich 2nd Baron Rich of Leez
Great x 2 Grandfather: Rowland Jenks
Great x 1 Grandfather: William Jenks
GrandMother: Elizabeth Jenks Baroness Rich
GrandFather: George Baldry
Mother: Elizabeth Baldry Baroness Rich Leez