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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Biography of Roland Egerton 1st Baronet 1594-1646

Paternal Family Tree: Egerton

In 1583 [his father] John "Black Sir John" Egerton (age 32) and [his mother] Margaret Stanley were married.

In 1594 Roland Egerton 1st Baronet was born to [his father] John "Black Sir John" Egerton (age 43) and [his mother] Margaret Stanley.

In 1596 [his mother] Margaret Stanley died.

In 1609 Roland Egerton 1st Baronet (age 15) and Bridget Grey Lady Egerton and Oulton were married.

On 28th April 1614 [his father] John "Black Sir John" Egerton (age 63) died.

In 1617 Roland Egerton 1st Baronet (age 23) was knighted at Whitehall Palace [Map].

On 5th April 1617 Roland Egerton 1st Baronet (age 23) was created 1st Baronet Egerton and Oulton. [his wife] Bridget Grey Lady Egerton and Oulton by marriage Lady Egerton and Oulton.

Happy Parliament

                    On 30th December 1623 the fourth Parliament of James I (age 57) known as the Happy Parliament was summoned.
                
                    On 19th February 1624 the Happy Parliament held its first session.
                
                    Roland Egerton 1st Baronet (age 29) was elected MP Wootton Bassett.
                
                    Arthur Lake (age 25) was elected MP Minehead.
                
                    James Wriothesley (age 18) was elected MP Winchester.
                
                    Richard Edgecumbe (age 53) was elected MP Grampound.

In 1630 [his son] Philip Egerton was born to Roland Egerton 1st Baronet (age 36) and [his wife] Bridget Grey Lady Egerton and Oulton.

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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Before 3rd October 1646 Roland Egerton 1st Baronet (age 52) died. On 3rd October 1646 he was buried at Farthinghoe, Northamptonshire. His son John succeeded 2nd Baronet Egerton and Oulton.

On 28th July 1648 [his former wife] Bridget Grey Lady Egerton and Oulton died. She was buried at Farthinghoe, Northamptonshire.

[his son] John Egerton 2nd Baronet was born to Roland Egerton 1st Baronet and Bridget Grey Lady Egerton and Oulton.