Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall
The Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall (Chronicon Anglicanum) is an indispensable medieval history that brings to life centuries of English and European affairs through the eyes of a learned Cistercian monk. Ralph of Coggeshall, abbot of the Abbey of Coggeshall in Essex in the early 13th century, continued and expanded his community’s chronicle, documenting events from the Norman Conquest of 1066 into the tumultuous reign of King Henry III. Blending eyewitness testimony, careful compilation, and the monastic commitment to record-keeping, this chronicle offers a rare narrative of political intrigue, royal power struggles, and social upheaval in England and beyond. Ralph’s work captures the reigns of pivotal figures such as Richard I and King John, providing invaluable insights into their characters, decisions, and the forces that shaped medieval rule. More than a simple annal, Chronicon Anglicanum conveys the texture of medieval life and governance, making it a rich source for scholars and readers fascinated by English history, monastic authorship, and the shaping of the medieval world.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
Paternal Family Tree: Walpole
On 26th August 1676 Robert Walpole 1st Earl Orford was born to [his father] Colonel Robert Walpole [age 25] at Houghton, Norfolk.
In 1700 Robert Walpole 1st Earl Orford [age 23] and Catherine Shorter [age 18] were married. She brought dowry of £20,000.
On 18th November 1700 [his father] Colonel Robert Walpole [age 50] died.
In 1701 [his son] Robert Walpole 2nd Earl Orford was born to Robert Walpole 1st Earl Orford [age 24] and [his wife] Catherine Shorter [age 19]. He married 26th March 1724 Margaret Rolle Countess Orford and had issue.
In 1706 [his son] Edward Walpole was born to Robert Walpole 1st Earl Orford [age 29] and [his wife] Catherine Shorter [age 24].
Before 25th July 1713 [his brother-in-law] Charles Townshend 2nd Viscount Townsend [age 39] and [his sister] Dorothy Walpole Viscountess Townsend [age 26] were married. She by marriage Viscountess Townsend.
On 24th September 1717 [his son] Horace Walpole 4th Earl Orford was born to Robert Walpole 1st Earl Orford [age 41] and [his wife] Catherine Shorter [age 35]. After his death in 1797 Louisa Stuart wrote to her grandmother Mary Wortley-Montagu née Pierrepont [age 28] of rumours that his biological father was Carr Hervey [age 26] with whom his mother was known to be on romantic terms. This fifth child, Horace, was born some eleven years after this elder siblings who were born 1701-1706.
On 21st July 1720 [his brother] Horatio Walpole 1st Baron Walpole [age 41] and [his sister-in-law] Mary Magdalen Lombard [age 25] were married.
In 1723 [his illegitimate daughter] Maria Walpole was born illegitimately to Robert Walpole 1st Earl Orford [age 46] and [his future wife] Maria Skerritt [age 21]. She was legitimated after her parents marriage.
On 14th September 1723 [his son-in-law] George Cholmondeley 3rd Earl Cholmondeley [age 20] and Mary Walpole were married. She the daughter of Robert Walpole 1st Earl Orford [age 47]. He the son of George Cholmondeley 2nd Earl Cholmondeley [age 57] and Elisabeth van Ruytenburgh Baroness Newborough and Newburgh.
This is a translation of the 'Memoires of Jacques du Clercq', published in 1823 in two volumes, edited by Frederic, Baron de Reissenberg. In his introduction Reissenberg writes: 'Jacques du Clercq tells us that he was born in 1424, and that he was a licentiate in law and a counsellor to Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy, in the castellany of Douai, Lille, and Orchies. It appears that he established his residence at Arras. In 1446, he married the daughter of Baldwin de la Lacherie, a gentleman who lived in Lille. We read in the fifth book of his Memoirs that his father, also named Jacques du Clercq, had married a lady of the Le Camelin family, from Compiègne. His ancestors, always attached to the counts of Flanders, had constantly served them, whether in their councils or in their armies.' The Memoires cover a period of nineteen years beginning in in 1448, ending in in 1467. It appears that the author had intended to extend the Memoirs beyond that date; no doubt illness or death prevented him from carrying out this plan. As Reissenberg writes the 'merit of this work lies in the simplicity of its narrative, in its tone of good faith, and in a certain air of frankness which naturally wins the reader’s confidence.' Du Clercq ranges from events of national and international importance, including events of the Wars of the Roses in England, to simple, everyday local events such as marriages, robberies, murders, trials and deaths, including that of his own father in Book 5; one of his last entries.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
On 26th March 1724 Robert Walpole 2nd Earl Orford [age 23] and Margaret Rolle Countess Orford [age 15] were married. He the son of Robert Walpole 1st Earl Orford [age 47] and Catherine Shorter [age 42].
In 1726 Robert Walpole 1st Earl Orford [age 49] was appointed 545th Knight of the Garter by King George I [age 65].
After 1726 Johnathan "The Elder" Richardson [age 58]. Portrait of Robert Walpole 1st Earl Orford [age 49].
On 29th March 1726 [his sister] Dorothy Walpole Viscountess Townsend [age 39] died although the circumstances are somewhat mysterious; possibly smallpox.
Around 1730 William Aikman [age 47]. Portrait of Robert Walpole 1st Earl Orford [age 53].
In 1730 William Hogarth [age 32]. Arthur Onslow [age 38] inviting Robert Walpole 1st Earl Orford [age 53] to speak.
On 21st December 1731 [his daughter] Mary Walpole died at Aix en Provence. She was buried at St Oswald's Church, Malpas [Map].
On 20th August 1737 [his wife] Catherine Shorter [age 55] died.
On 3rd March 1738 Robert Walpole 1st Earl Orford [age 61] and Maria Skerritt [age 36] were married. They had been companions for many years before they married. She bringing £30,000 to the marriage. She appears to have died three months later as a consequence of a miscarriage. The difference in their ages was 25 years.
On 4th June 1738 [his wife] Maria Skerritt [age 36] died.
Diary of Viscount Egmont afterwards Earl Egmont 1741. 20th January 1741. This affair prevented my attending the committee at the Georgia Office, which met to consider of the powers for the President entered to be appointed at Savannah. I learned Sir Robert Walpole [age 64] was not down at the House of Commons early enough to declare the King's consent to our petition for money, but that he came after the order of the day was called for, which was a sUght of the Trustees.
In 1742. Arthur Pond [age 37]. Portrait of Robert Walpole 1st Earl Orford [age 65].
On 6th February 1742 Robert Walpole 1st Earl Orford [age 65] was created 1st Earl Orford.
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.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
On 18th March 1745 Robert Walpole 1st Earl Orford [age 68] died. His son Robert [age 44] succeeded 2nd Earl Orford. Margaret Rolle Countess Orford [age 36] by marriage Countess Orford.
Before 28th May 1745 Johnathan "The Elder" Richardson [age 78]. Portrait of Robert Walpole 1st Earl Orford. Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery.
[his daughter] Mary Walpole was born to Robert Walpole 1st Earl Orford. She married 14th September 1723 George Cholmondeley 3rd Earl Cholmondeley, son of George Cholmondeley 2nd Earl Cholmondeley and Elisabeth van Ruytenburgh Baroness Newborough and Newburgh, and had issue.
[his daughter] Katherine Walpole was born to Robert Walpole 1st Earl Orford and Catherine Shorter.
Great x 2 Grandfather: Calybut Walpole of Houghton 
Great x 1 Grandfather: Robert Walpole
GrandFather: Edward Walpole of Houghton
Great x 4 Grandfather: Robert Edward Barkham 
Great x 3 Grandfather: Edward Barkham
Great x 4 Grandmother: Jane Frances Berney
Great x 2 Grandfather: Edward Barkham
Great x 3 Grandmother: Elizabeth Rolfe
Great x 1 Grandmother: Susan Barkham
Great x 3 Grandfather: John Crouch
Great x 2 Grandmother: Jane Crouch
Father: Colonel Robert Walpole
Great x 1 Grandfather: Robert Crane 1st Baronet
GrandMother: Susan Crane
Great x 3 Grandfather: William Alington
Great x 2 Grandfather: Giles Alington
Great x 1 Grandmother: Susan Alinton