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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Paternal Family Tree: Spencer
Maternal Family Tree: Emma de Dinan 1136-1208
On 20th July 1639, some sources say 11th July 1639, [his father] Henry Spencer 1st Earl of Sunderland [aged 18] and Dorothy Sidney Countess Sunderland [aged 21] were married at Penhurst Rother. She by marriage Baroness Spencer Wormleighton. Her long-term suitor, she was the 'Sacharissa' of his poems, Edmund Waller [aged 33] wrote a letter to the bride's sister [aged 12] on the occasion of the wedding. She the daughter of Robert Sidney 2nd Earl of Leicester [aged 43] and Dorothy Percy Countess Leicester [aged 41]. They were third cousins.
Madam,
In this common joy at Penshurst, I know none to whom complaints may come less unseasonably than to your ladyship, the loss of a bedfellow being almost equal to that of a mistress; and therefore you ought at least to pardon, if you consent not to the imprecations of, the deserted, which just Heaven no doubt will hear. May my lady Dorothy, if we may yet call her so, suffer as much, and have the like passion for this young lord, whom she has preferred to the rest of mankind, as others have had for her; and may his love, before the year go about, make her taste of the first curse imposed upon womankind, the pains of becoming a mother. May her first born be none of her own sex, nor so like her but that he may resemble her lord as much as herself. May she that always affected silence and retirement have the house filled with the noise and number of her children, and hereafter of her grandchildren; and then may she arrive at that great curse, so much declined by fair ladies, old age; may she live to be very old and yet seem young; be told so by her glass, and have no aches to inform her of the truth; and when she shall appear to be mortal, may her lord not mourn for her, but go hand in hand with her to that place where we are told there is neither marrying nor giving in marriage, that being there divorced we may all have an equal interest in her again! My revenge being immortal, I wish all this may befall her posterity to the world's end and afterwards! To you, madam, I wish all good things, and that this loss may in good time be happily supplied with a more constant bedfellow of the other sex. Madam, I humbly kiss your hands, and beg pardon for this trouble, from
Your ladyship's
most humble servant,
E. Waller.
On 5th September 1641 Robert Spencer 2nd Earl of Sunderland was born to [his father] Henry Spencer 1st Earl of Sunderland [aged 20] and [his mother] Dorothy Sidney Countess Sunderland [aged 23] at Paris [Map].
In 1643 [his father] Henry Spencer 1st Earl of Sunderland [aged 22] was created 1st Earl of Sunderland. [his mother] Dorothy Sidney Countess Sunderland [aged 25] by marriage Countess of Sunderland.
On 20th September 1643 [his father] Henry Spencer 1st Earl of Sunderland [aged 22] died. His son Robert [aged 2] succeeded 2nd Earl of Sunderland, 4th Baron Spencer Wormleighton.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 1st July 1663. Walking out, I hear that the House of Lords are offended that my [his future father-in-law] Lord Digby [aged 50] should come to this House and make a speech there without leave first asked of the House of Lords. I hear also of another difficulty now upon him; that my Lord of Sunderland [aged 21] (whom I do not know) was so near to the marriage of his [his future wife] daughter [aged 17] as that the wedding-clothes were made, and portion and every thing agreed on and ready; and the other day he goes away nobody yet knows whither, sending her the next morning a release of his right or claim to her, and advice to his friends not to enquire into the reason of this doing, for he hath enough for it; but that he gives them liberty to say and think what they will of him, so they do not demand the reason of his leaving her, being resolved never to have her, but the reason desires and resolves not to give.
On 9th June 1665 Robert Spencer 2nd Earl of Sunderland [aged 23] and Anne Digby Countess Sunderland [aged 19] were married. She by marriage Countess of Sunderland. She the daughter of George Digby 2nd Earl Bristol [aged 52] and Anne Russell Countess Bristol [aged 45]. He the son of Henry Spencer 1st Earl of Sunderland and Dorothy Sidney Countess Sunderland [aged 47]. They were half fifth cousins.
In 1666 [his son] Robert Spencer was born to Robert Spencer 2nd Earl of Sunderland [aged 24] and [his wife] Anne Digby Countess Sunderland [aged 20].
In 1667 [his daughter] Anne Spencer Countess Arran was born to Robert Spencer 2nd Earl of Sunderland [aged 25] and [his wife] Anne Digby Countess Sunderland [aged 21]. She married 1686 James Hamilton Duke Hamilton, 1st Duke Brandon, son of William Hamilton 1st Duke Hamilton and Anne Hamilton 3rd Duchess Hamilton.
In 1668 [his daughter] Isabella Spencer was born to Robert Spencer 2nd Earl of Sunderland [aged 26] and [his wife] Anne Digby Countess Sunderland [aged 22].
In 1671 [his daughter] Elizabeth Spencer Countess Clancarty was born to Robert Spencer 2nd Earl of Sunderland [aged 29] and [his wife] Anne Digby Countess Sunderland [aged 25]. She married 1684 her fifth cousin once removed Donough MacCarty 4th Earl Clancarty, son of Callaghan MacCarty 3rd Earl Clancarty and Elizabeth Fitzgerald Countess Clancarty, and had issue.
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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John Evelyn's Diary. 22nd September 1671. Lord Sunderland [aged 30] was now nominated Ambassador to Spain.
On 23rd April 1675 [his son] Charles Spencer 3rd Earl of Sunderland was born to Robert Spencer 2nd Earl of Sunderland [aged 33] and [his wife] Anne Digby Countess Sunderland [aged 29]. He married (1) February 1695 Arabella Cavendish, daughter of Henry Cavendish 2nd Duke Newcastle upon Tyne and Frances Pierrepont Duchess Newcastle upon Tyne, and had issue (2) before 2nd December 1700 Anne Churchill Countess Sunderland, daughter of John Churchill 1st Duke of Marlborough and Sarah Jennings Duchess of Marlborough, and had issue (3) before 1718 Judith Tichborne Countess Sunderland and had issue.
John Evelyn's Diary. 8th July 1675. I went with Mrs. Howard [aged 49] and her two daughters toward Northampton Assizes, about a trial at law, in which I was concerned for them as a trustee. We lay this night at Henley-on-the-Thames [Map], at our attorney, Mr. Stephens's, who entertained us very handsomely. Next day, dining at Shotover, Oxfordshire, at Sir Timothy Tyrill's [aged 58], a sweet place, we lay at Oxford, where it was the time of the Act. Mr. Robert Spencer [aged 46], uncle to the Earl of Sunderland [aged 33], and my old acquaintance in France, entertained us at his apartment in Christ Church with exceeding generosity.
John Evelyn's Diary. 14th July 1675. I went to see my Lord Sunderland's [aged 33] Seat at Althorpe [Map], four miles from the ragged town of Northampton [Map] (since burned, and well rebuilt). It is placed in a pretty open bottom, very finely watered and flanked with stately woods and groves in a park, with a canal, but the water is not running, which is a defect. The house, a kind of modern building, of freestone, within most nobly furnished; the apartments very commodious, a gallery and noble hall; but the kitchen being in the body of the house, and chapel too small, were defects. There is an old yet honorable gatehouse standing awry, and out-housing mean, but designed to be taken away. It was moated round, after the old manner, but it is now dry, and turfed with a beautiful carpet. Above all, are admirable and magnificent the several ample gardens furnished with the choicest fruit, and exquisitely kept. Great plenty of oranges, and other curiosities. The park full of fowl, especially herons, and from it a prospect to Holmby House, which being demolished in the late civil wars, shows like a Roman ruin shaded by the trees about it, a stately, solemn, and pleasing view.
John Evelyn's Diary. 23rd December 1675. Lady Sunderland [aged 34] gave me ten guineas, to bestow in charities.
On 20th March 1677 [his father-in-law] George Digby 2nd Earl Bristol [aged 64] died. His son [his brother-in-law] John [aged 43] succeeded 3rd Earl Bristol. Rachel Wyndham Countess of Bristol [aged 32] by marriage Countess Bristol.
John Evelyn's Diary. 23rd January 1678. Dined with the Duke of Norfolk [aged 49], being the first time I had seen him since the death of his elder brother, who died at Padua in Italy, where he had resided above thirty years. The Duke had now newly declared his marriage to his concubine [aged 35], whom he promised me he never would marry. I went with him to see the Duke of Buckingham [aged 49], thence to my Lord Sunderland [aged 36], now Secretary of State, to show him that rare piece of Vosterman's (son of old Vosterman), which was a view, or landscape of my Lord's palace, etc., at Althorpe [Map] in Northamptonshire.
John Evelyn's Diary. 19th September 1679. My Lord Sunderland [aged 38], one of the principal Secretaries of State, invited me to dinner, where was the King's [aged 49] natural son, the Earl of Plymouth [aged 22], the Earl of Shrewsbury [aged 19], Earl of Essex [aged 47], Earl of Mulgrave [aged 31], Mr. Hyde, and Mr. Godolphin [aged 34]. After dinner I went to prayers at Eton College [Map], and visited Mr. Henry Godolphin [aged 31], fellow there, and Dr. Craddock.
John Evelyn's Diary. 26th July 1680. Being retired to his lodgings, and set down on a couch, he sent to his secretary for the copy of a letter which he had written to Lord Sunderland [aged 38] (Secretary of State), wishing me to read it; it was to take notice how ill he resented it, that he should tell the King [aged 50] before Lord Ossory's [aged 46] face, that Tangier [Map] was not to be kept, but would certainly be lost, and yet added that it was fit Lord Ossory should be sent, that they might give some account of it to the world, meaning (as supposed) the next Parliament, when all such miscarriages would probably be examined; this Lord Ossory took very ill of Lord Sunderland, and not kindly of the King, who resolving to send him with an incompetent force, seemed, as his Lordship took it, to be willing to cast him away, not only on a hazardous adventure, but in most men's opinion, an impossibility, seeing there was not to be above 300 or 400 horse, and 4,000 foot for the garrison and all, both to defend the town, form a camp, repulse the enemy, and fortify what ground they should get in. This touched my Lord deeply, that he should be so little considered as to put him on a business in which he should probably not only lose his reputation, but be charged with all the miscarriage and ill success; whereas, at first they promised 6,000 foot and 600 horse effective.
John Evelyn's Diary. 16th May 1681. Came my [his wife] Lady Sunderland [aged 35], to desire that I would propose a match to Sir Stephen Fox [aged 54] for her son [aged 6], Lord Spencer, to marry Mrs. Jane [aged 12], Sir Stephen's daughter. I excused myself all I was able; for the truth is, I was afraid he would prove an extravagant man: for, though a youth of extraordinary parts, and had an excellent education to render him a worthy man, yet his early inclinations to extravagance made me apprehensive, that I should not serve Sir Stephen by proposing it, like a friend; this being now his only daughter, well-bred, and likely to receive a large share of her father's opulence. Lord Sunderland [aged 39] was much sunk in his estate by gaming and other prodigalities, and was now no longer Secretary of State, having fallen into displeasure of the King [aged 50] for siding with the Commons about the succession; but which, I am assured, he did not do out of his own inclination, or for the preservation of the Protestant religion, but by mistaking the ability of the party to carry it. However, so earnest and importunate was the Countess, that I did mention it to Sir Stephen, who said it was too great an honor, that his daughter was very young, as well as my Lord, and he was resolved never to marry her without the parties' mutual liking; with other objections which I neither would or could contradict. He desired me to express to the Countess the great sense he had of the honor done him, that his daughter and her son were too young, that he would do nothing without her liking, which he did not think her capable of expressing judiciously, till she was sixteen or seventeen years of age, of which she now wanted four years, and that I would put it off as civilly as I could.
The Deeds of the Dukes of Normandy
The Gesta Normannorum Ducum [The Deeds of the Dukes of Normandy] is a landmark medieval chronicle tracing the rise and fall of the Norman dynasty from its early roots through the pivotal events surrounding the Norman Conquest of England. Originally penned in Latin by the monk William of Jumièges shortly before 1060 and later expanded at the behest of William the Conqueror, the work chronicles the deeds, politics, battles, and leadership of the Norman dukes, especially William’s own claim to the English throne. The narrative combines earlier historical sources with firsthand information and oral testimony to present an authoritative account of Normandy’s transformation from a Viking settlement into one of medieval Europe’s most powerful realms. William’s history emphasizes the legitimacy, military prowess, and governance of the Norman line, framing their expansion, including the conquest of England, as both divinely sanctioned and noble in purpose. Later chroniclers such as Orderic Vitalis and Robert of Torigni continued the history, extending the coverage into the 12th century, providing broader context on ducal rule and its impact. Today this classic work remains a foundational source for understanding Norman identity, medieval statesmanship, and the historical forces that reshaped England and Western Europe between 800AD and 1100AD.
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John Evelyn's Diary. 2nd June 1681. I went to Hampton Court [Map], when the Surrey gentlemen presented their addresses to his Majesty [aged 51], whose hand I kissed, introduced by the Duke of Albemarle [aged 27]. Being at the Privy Council, I took another occasion of discoursing with Sir Stephen Fox [aged 54] about his daughter [aged 12] and to revive that business, and at least brought it to this: That in case the young people liked one the other, after four years, he first desiring to see a particular of my Lord's [aged 39] present estate if I could transmit it to him privately, he would make her portion £14,000, though to all appearance he might likely make it £50,000 as easily, his eldest son [aged 15] having no child and growing very corpulent.
John Evelyn's Diary. 17th June 1683. I dined at the Earl of Sunderland's [aged 41] with the Earls of Bath [aged 54], Castlehaven [aged 66], Lords Viscount Falconberg [aged 56], Falkland [aged 27], Bishop of London, the Grand Master of Malta, brother to the Duke de Vendôme (a young wild spark), and Mr. Dryden [aged 51], the poet. After evening prayer, I walked in the park with my Lord Clarendon, where we fell into discourse of the Bishop of Salisbury (Dr. Seth Ward), his subtlety, etc. Dr. Durell, late Dean of Windsor, being dead, Dr. Turner, one of the Duke's chaplains was made dean.
In 1684 [his son-in-law] Donough MacCarty 4th Earl Clancarty [aged 16] and Elizabeth Spencer Countess Clancarty [aged 13] were married. She by marriage Countess Clancarty. She the daughter of Robert Spencer 2nd Earl of Sunderland [aged 42] and Anne Digby Countess Sunderland [aged 38]. He the son of Callaghan MacCarty 3rd Earl Clancarty and Elizabeth Fitzgerald Countess Clancarty [aged 42]. They were fifth cousin once removed.
In 1684 [his daughter] Isabella Spencer [aged 16] died.
On 5th February 1684 [his mother] Dorothy Sidney Countess Sunderland [aged 66] died.
John Evelyn's Diary. 27th January 1685. I din'd at Lord Sunderland's [aged 43], being invited to heare that celebrated voice of Mr. Pordage, newly come from Rome; his singing was after the Venetian recitative, as masterly as could be, and with an excellent voice both treble and basse; Dr. Walgrave accompanied it with his theorba lute, on which he perform'd beyond imagination, and is doubtlesse orie of the greatest masters in Europe on that charming in strument. Pordage is a priest, as Mr. Bernard Howard [aged 44] told me in private. There was in the roome where we din'd, and in his bed-chamber, those incomparable pieces of Columbus, a Flagellation, the Grammar-schoole, the Venus and Adonis of Titian; and of Vandyke's that picture of the [his father-in-law] late E. of Digby (father of the [his wife] Countess of Sunderland [aged 39]), and Earle of Bedford [aged 68], Sr Kenelm Digby, and two Ladys of incomparable performance; besides that of Moses and the burning bush of Bassano, and several other pieces of ye best masters. A marble head of M. Brutus, &c.
John Evelyn's Diary. 6th September 1685. I din'd at Lord Sunderland's [aged 44], with (amongst others) Sr Wm Soames [aged 40], design'd Ambass. to Constantinople.
Combermere Papers. In 1685 Sir Robert [aged 50] was committed to the Tower [Map] on a charge of treasonable correspondence with the Electress Sophia [aged 54]. The following is a copy of the warrant for his committal:
Robert Earl of Sunderland Baron Spencer & c & c
These are in His Majesty's name to authorize and require you to receive into your custodie the bodie of Sir Robert Cotton of Cheshire herewith sent to you for dangerous and treasonable practices!Keep him safe and close till he be discharged by due course of law for which this shall be your warrant.
Given at the Court at Windsor the 23rd daye of September 1685
SUNDERLAND [Robert Spencer 2nd Earl of Sunderland [aged 44]]
To the Lieutenant of the Tower
John Evelyn's Diary. 4th December 1685. Lord Sunderland [aged 44] was declar'd President of ye Counsel, and yet to hold his Secretarie's place. The forces dispos'd into severall quarters thro' ye kingdome are very insolent, on wch are greate complaints. Lord Brandon [aged 67] tried for the late conspiracy, was condemn'd and pardon'd; so was Lord Grey [aged 30], his accuser and witnesse.
In 1686 [his son-in-law] James Hamilton Duke Hamilton, 1st Duke Brandon [aged 27] and Anne Spencer Countess Arran [aged 19] were married. He by marriage Duke Hamilton. She the daughter of Robert Spencer 2nd Earl of Sunderland [aged 44] and Anne Digby Countess Sunderland [aged 40]. He the son of William Hamilton 1st Duke Hamilton [aged 51] and Anne Hamilton 3rd Duchess Hamilton [aged 54].
John Evelyn's Diary. 19th February 1686. Many bloody and notorious duels were fought about this time. The Duke of Grafton [aged 22] kill'd Mr. Stanley, brother to the Earle of Shrewsbury [aged 25], indeede upon an almost insufferable provocation. It is to be hop'd his Ma* [aged 52] will at last severely remedy this unchristian custome. Lord Sunderland [aged 44] was now Secretary of State, President of the Council, and Premier Minister.
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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John Evelyn's Diary. 14th July 1686. Was sealed at our office the constitution of certain commissioners to take upon them full power of all Ecclesiastical affairs, in as unlimited a manner, or rather greater, than the late High Commission-Court, abrogated by Parliament; for it had not only faculty to inspect and visit all Bishops' dioceses, but to change what laws and statutes they should think fit to alter among the colleges, though founded by private men; to punish, suspend, fine, etc., give oaths and call witnesses. The main drift was to suppress zealous preachers. In sum, it was the whole power of a Vicar-General-note the consequence! Of the clergy the commissioners were the Archbishop of Canterbury [Sancroft] [aged 69], Bishop of Durham [Crewe] [aged 53], and Rochester [Sprat] [aged 51]; of the Temporals, the Lord Treasurer, the Lord Chancellor [Jefferies] [aged 41] (who alone was ever to be of the quorum), the Chief justice [Herbert] [aged 38], and Lord President [Earl of Sunderland] [aged 44].
In 1687 Robert Spencer 2nd Earl of Sunderland [aged 45] was appointed 494th Knight of the Garter by King James II of England Scotland and Ireland [aged 53].
John Evelyn's Diary. 12th May 1687. To London. Lord Sunderland [aged 45] being Lord President and Secretary of State, was made Knight of the Garter and Prime favorite. This day there was such a storm of wind as had seldom happened, being a sort of hurricane. It kept the flood out of the Thames, so that people went on foot over several places above bridge. Also an earthquake in several places in England about the time of the storm.
In 1688 [his son] Robert Spencer [aged 22] died.
John Evelyn's Diary. 12th January 1688. My [his son-in-law] Lord Arran [aged 29], eldest son to the Duke of Hamilton [aged 53], being now married to Lady Ann Spencer [aged 21], eldest daughter of the Earl of Sunderland [aged 46], Lord President of the Council, I and my family had most glorious favors sent us, the wedding being celebrated with extraordinary splendor.
John Evelyn's Diary. 18th August 1688. The house, or rather palace, at Althorpe [Map], is a noble uniform pile in form of a half H, built of brick and freestone, balustered and à la moderne; the hall is well, the staircase excellent; the rooms of state, galleries, offices and furniture, such as may become a great prince. It is situated in the midst of a garden, exquisitely planted and kept, and all this in a park walled in with hewn stone, planted with rows and walks of trees, canals and fish ponds, and stored with game. And, what is above all this, governed by a [his wife] lady [aged 42], who without any show of solicitude, keeps everything in such admirable order, both within and without, from the garret to the cellar, that I do not believe there is any in this nation, or in any other, that exceeds her in such exact order, without ostentation, but substantially great and noble. The meanest servant is lodged so neat and cleanly; the service at the several tables, the good order and decency-in a word, the entire economy is perfectly becoming a wise and noble person. She is one who for her distinguished esteem of me from a long and worthy friendship, I must ever honor and celebrate. I wish from my soul the Lord [aged 46], her husband (whose parts and abilities are otherwise conspicuous), was as worthy of her, as by a fatal apostasy and court-ambition he has made himself unworthy! This is what she deplores, and it renders her as much affliction as a lady of great soul and much prudence is capable of. The [his mother-in-law] Countess of Bristol [aged 68], her mother, a grave and honorable lady, has the comfort of seeing her daughter and grandchildren under the same economy, especially [his son] Mr. Charles Spencer [aged 13], a youth of extraordinary hopes, very learned for his age, and ingenious, and under a Governor of great worth. Happy were it, could as much be said of the elder brother, the Lord Spencer, who, rambling about the world, dishonors both his name and his family, adding sorrow to sorrow to a mother, who has taken all imaginable care of his education. There is a daughter [aged 17] very young married to the Earl of Clancarty [aged 20], who has a great and fair estate in Ireland, but who yet gives no great presage of worth,-so universally contaminated is the youth of this corrupt and abandoned age! But this is again recompensed by my Lord Arran [aged 30], a sober and worthy gentleman, who has espoused the Lady Ann Spencer [aged 21], a young lady of admirable accomplishments and virtue.
John Evelyn's Diary. 29th October 1688. [his wife] Lady Sunderland [aged 42] acquainted me with his Majesty's [aged 55] taking away the Seals from Lord Sunderland [aged 47], and of her being with the Queen [aged 30] to intercede for him. It is conceived that he had of late grown remiss in pursuing the interest of the Jesuitical counsels; some reported one thing, some another; but there was doubtless some secret betrayed, which time may discover.
John Evelyn's Diary. 30th October 1688. I dined with Lord Preston [aged 39], made Secretary of State, in the place of the Earl of Sunderland [aged 47].
John Evelyn's Diary. 9th December 1688. Lord Sunderland [aged 47] meditates flight. The rabble demolished all Popish chapels, and several Papist lords and gentlemen's houses, especially that of the Spanish Ambassador, which they pillaged, and burned his library.
John Evelyn's Diary. 18th December 1688. I saw the King [aged 55] take barge to Gravesend, Kent [Map] at twelve o'clock-a sad sight! The Prince [aged 38] comes to St. James's [Map], and fills Whitehall with Dutch guards. A Council of Peers meet about an expedient to call a Parliament; adjourn to the House of Lords. The Chancellor, Earl of Peterborough [aged 67], and divers others taken. The Earl of Sunderland [aged 47] flies; Sir Edward Hale [aged 43], Walker, and others, taken and secured.
In 1690 [his daughter] Anne Spencer Countess Arran [aged 23] died.
John Evelyn's Diary. 12th October 1690. The French General, with Tyrconnel [aged 60] and their forces, gone back to France, beaten out by King William. Cork [Map] delivered on discretion. The Duke of Grafton [deceased] was there mortally wounded and dies. Very great storms of wind. The 8th of this month Lord Spencer [aged 49] wrote me word from Althorpe [Map], that there happened an earthquake the day before in the morning, which, though short, sensibly shook the house. The "Gazette" acquainted us that the like happened at the same time, half-past seven, at Barnstaple, Devon, Holyhead, Anglesey, and Dublin [Map]. We were not sensible of it here.
John Evelyn's Diary. 24th April 1691. I visited the Earl [aged 49] and [his wife] Countess of Sunderland [aged 45], now come to kiss the King's [aged 40] hand after his return from Holland. This is a mystery. The King preparing to return to the army.
In February 1695 Charles Spencer 3rd Earl of Sunderland [aged 19] and Arabella Cavendish [aged 21] were married. She the daughter of Henry Cavendish 2nd Duke Newcastle upon Tyne and Frances Pierrepont Duchess Newcastle upon Tyne [aged 64]. He the son of Robert Spencer 2nd Earl of Sunderland [aged 53] and Anne Digby Countess Sunderland [aged 49].
John Evelyn's Diary. 10th March 1695. I dined at the Earl of Sunderland's [aged 53] with [his son] Lord Spencer [aged 19]. My Lord showed me his library, now again improved by many books bought at the sale of Sir Charles Scarborough, an eminent physician, which was the very best collection, especially of mathematical books, that was I believe in Europe, once designed for the King's Library at St. James's; but the Queen dying, who was the great patroness of that design, it was let fall, and the books were miserably dissipated.
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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John Evelyn's Diary. 13th November 1695. Famous fireworks and very chargeable, the King [aged 45] being returned from his progress. He stayed seven or eight days at Lord Sunderland's [aged 54] at Althorpe [Map], where he was mightily entertained. These fireworks were shown before [his uncle] Lord Romney [aged 54], Master of the Ordnance, in St. James's great square, where the King stood.
John Evelyn's Diary. 1st December 1695. I dined at Lord Sunderland's [aged 54], now the great favorite and underhand politician, but not adventuring on any character, being obnoxious to the people for having twice changed his religion.
John Evelyn's Diary. 6th May 1696. I went to Lambeth [Map], to meet at dinner the Countess of Sunderland [aged 54] and divers ladies. We dined in the Archbishop's wife's apartment with his Grace [aged 59], and stayed late; yet I returned to Deptford, Kent [Map] at night.
Sherborne Abbey [Map]. On 12th September 1698 [his brother-in-law] John Digby 3rd Earl Bristol [aged 64] died without issue. Earl Bristol extinct. In May 1658 Alice Bourne died. On 16th February 1709 Rachel Wyndham Countess of Bristol [aged 53] died. William and Mary. Monument sculpted by John Nost.
Alice Bourne: she was born to Robert Bourne of Blake Hall in Essex. On 26th May 1656 John Digby 3rd Earl Bristol and she were married. He the son of George Digby 2nd Earl Bristol and Anne Russell Countess Bristol.
Rachel Wyndham Countess of Bristol: Around 1645 she was born to Hugh Wyndham Baron of the Exchequer and Jane Wodehouse. On or after 13th July 1663, the date of the licence, John Digby 3rd Earl Bristol and she were married. He the son of George Digby 2nd Earl Bristol and Anne Russell Countess Bristol. They were fifth cousin once removed. On 20th March 1677 George Digby 2nd Earl Bristol died. His son John succeeded 3rd Earl Bristol. She by marriage Countess Bristol.
John Evelyn's Diary. 25th September 1698. Dr. Foy came to me to use my interest with Lord Sunderland [aged 57] for his being made Professor of Physic at Oxford, in the King's gift. I went also to the Archbishop [aged 61] in his behalf.
Before 2nd December 1700 Charles Spencer 3rd Earl of Sunderland [aged 25] and Anne Churchill Countess Sunderland [aged 17] were married. She the daughter of John Churchill 1st Duke of Marlborough [aged 50] and Sarah Jennings Duchess of Marlborough [aged 40]. He the son of Robert Spencer 2nd Earl of Sunderland [aged 59] and Anne Digby Countess Sunderland [aged 54].
On 28th September 1702 Robert Spencer 2nd Earl of Sunderland [aged 61] died at Althorp House, Northamptonshire [Map]. His son Charles [aged 27] succeeded 3rd Earl of Sunderland, 5th Baron Spencer Wormleighton. Anne Churchill Countess Sunderland [aged 19] by marriage Countess of Sunderland.
On 26th April 1715 [his former wife] Anne Digby Countess Sunderland [aged 69] died.
Kings Wessex: Great x 18 Grand Son of King Edmund "Ironside" I of England
Kings Gwynedd: Great x 15 Grand Son of Owain "Great" King Gwynedd
Kings Seisyllwg: Great x 21 Grand Son of Hywel "Dda aka Good" King Seisyllwg King Deheubarth
Kings Powys: Great x 16 Grand Son of Maredudd ap Bleddyn King Powys
Kings Godwinson: Great x 19 Grand Son of King Harold II of England
Kings England: Great x 9 Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Kings Scotland: Great x 17 Grand Son of King Duncan I of Scotland
Kings Franks: Great x 25 Grand Son of Charles "Charlemagne aka Great" King of the Franks King Lombardy Holy Roman Emperor
Kings France: Great x 19 Grand Son of Hugh I King of the Franks
Kings Duke Aquitaine: Great x 23 Grand Son of Ranulf I Duke Aquitaine
Great x 4 Grandfather: William Spencer 
Great x 3 Grandfather: John Spencer
Great x 4 Grandmother: Susan Knightley 
Great x 2 Grandfather: John Spencer
Great x 4 Grandfather: Thomas Kitson 
Great x 3 Grandmother: Katherine Kitson
Great x 4 Grandmother: Margaret Donnington Countess Bath
Great x 1 Grandfather: Robert Spencer 1st Baron Spencer
Great x 2 Grandmother: Mary Catlyn
GrandFather: William Spencer 2nd Baron Spencer 8 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Edward Willoughby 
10 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: Henry Willoughby 11 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Anne Filiol
Great x 2 Grandfather: Francis Willoughby 6 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Thomas Grey 2nd Marquess Dorset 
4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Anne Grey 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Margaret Wotton Marchioness Dorset 
Great x 1 Grandmother: Margaret Willoughby 7 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: John Lyttelton
Great x 3 Grandfather: John Lyttelton of Frankley 5 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Talbot 
4 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 2 Grandmother: Elizabeth Lyttelton 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: John Pakington of Hampton Lovett 
Great x 3 Grandmother: Bridget Packington
Great x 4 Grandmother: Anne Dacres
Father: Henry Spencer 1st Earl of Sunderland 8 x Great Grand Son of King Henry IV of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: William Wriothesley 
Great x 3 Grandfather: Thomas Wriothesley 1st Earl of Southampton
Great x 4 Grandmother: Agnes Drayton of London
Great x 2 Grandfather: Henry Wriothesley 2nd Earl of Southampton
Great x 4 Grandfather: William Cheney of Chesham Blois in Buckinghamshire
Great x 3 Grandmother: Jane Cheney Countess Southampton
Great x 1 Grandfather: Henry Wriothesley 3rd Earl of Southampton 7 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Anthony Browne 
4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: Anthony Browne 1st Viscount Montagu 5 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Alice Gage
Great x 2 Grandmother: Mary Browne Countess Southampton 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Robert Radclyffe 1st Earl of Sussex 9 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Jane Radclyffe 
6 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Margaret Stanley Countess Sussex 
5 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
GrandMother: Penelope Wriothesley Baroness Spencer Wormleighton 7 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry IV of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Humphrey Vernon 
6 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: George Vernon 4 x Great Grand Son of King Henry IV of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Alice Ludlow 3 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry IV of England
Great x 2 Grandfather: John Vernon 5 x Great Grand Son of King Henry IV of England
Great x 1 Grandmother: Elizabeth Vernon Countess Southampton 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry IV of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Walter Devereux 1st Viscount Hereford 
4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: Richard Devereux 5 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Mary Grey Baroness Ferrers Chartley 4 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 2 Grandmother: Elizabeth Devereux 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: George Hastings 1st Earl Huntingdon 
4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Dorothy Hastings 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Anne Stafford Countess Huntingdon 
4 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Robert Spencer 2nd Earl of Sunderland 9 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Nicholas Sidney 
Great x 3 Grandfather: William Sidney
Great x 4 Grandmother: Anne Brandon 
Great x 2 Grandfather: Henry Sidney
Great x 4 Grandfather: Hugh Pakenham
Great x 3 Grandmother: Anne Pakenham
Great x 1 Grandfather: Robert Sidney 1st Earl of Leicester 9 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Edmund Dudley 
7 x Great Grand Son of King John of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: John Dudley 1st Duke Northumberland 7 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Grey Viscountess Lisle 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England
Great x 2 Grandmother: Mary Dudley 8 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Edward Guildford
Great x 3 Grandmother: Jane Guildford Duchess Northumberland 8 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry III of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Eleanor West 
7 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry III of England
GrandFather: Robert Sidney 2nd Earl of Leicester 10 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Thomas Gamage
Great x 3 Grandfather: Robert Gamage of Coity Castle 10 x Great Grand Son of King John of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Margaret St John 
9 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England
Great x 2 Grandfather: John Gamage of Coity Castle 11 x Great Grand Son of King John of England
Great x 1 Grandmother: Barbara Gamage Countess Leicester 12 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England
Mother: Dorothy Sidney Countess Sunderland 8 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Henry Percy 5th Earl of Northumberland 4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: Thomas Percy 4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Katherine Spencer Countess Northumberland 3 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 2 Grandfather: Henry Percy 8th Earl of Northumberland 5 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Guiscard Harbottle 4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Eleanor Harbottle 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Jane Willoughby 10 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 1 Grandfather: Henry "Wizard Earl" Percy 9th Earl of Northumberland 6 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: John Neville 3rd Baron Latimer 
4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: John Neville 4th Baron Latimer of Snape 5 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Dorothy de Vere 
7 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England
Great x 2 Grandmother: Katherine Neville Countess Northumberland 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Henry Somerset 2nd Earl of Worcester 
4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Lucy Somerset Baroness Latimer Snape 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Browne Countess of Worcester 4 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
GrandMother: Dorothy Percy Countess Leicester 7 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Walter Devereux 1st Viscount Hereford 4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: Richard Devereux 5 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Mary Grey Baroness Ferrers Chartley 4 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 2 Grandfather: Walter Devereux 1st Earl Essex 6 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: George Hastings 1st Earl Huntingdon 4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Dorothy Hastings 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Anne Stafford Countess Huntingdon 4 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 1 Grandmother: Dorothy Devereux Countess Northumberland 7 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Robert Knollys 
Great x 3 Grandfather: Francis Knollys
Great x 4 Grandmother: Lettice Peniston
Great x 2 Grandmother: Lettice Knollys Countess Essex and Leicester 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: William Carey 
4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Catherine Carey 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Mary Boleyn 
7 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England