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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: Villiers
Maternal Family Tree: Anne Armstrong 1544
Susan Villiers Countess Denbigh was appointed Lady of the Bedchamber to Henrietta Maria Bourbon Queen Consort England.
In 1583 Susan Villiers Countess Denbigh was born to [her father] George Villiers of Brokesby (age 39) and [her mother] Mary Beaumont 1st Countess Buckingham (age 13).
Before 1587 [her father] George Villiers of Brokesby (age 42) and [her step-mother] Audrey Saunders (age 35) were married.
After 1590 [her father] George Villiers of Brokesby (age 46) and [her mother] Mary Beaumont 1st Countess Buckingham (age 20) were married. Some sources describe their relationship as being half-first cousin? His mother [her grandmother] Collette Clarke was first married to her uncle Richard Beaumont so there is no relationship between George Villiers of Brokesby and Mary Beaumont 1st Countess Buckingham. The difference in their ages was 26 years.
In 1606 William Feilding 1st Earl Denbigh (age 19) and Susan Villiers Countess Denbigh (age 23) were married. She the daughter of George Villiers of Brokesby (age 62) and Mary Beaumont 1st Countess Buckingham (age 36).
After 1606 Thomas Compton and [her mother] Mary Beaumont 1st Countess Buckingham (age 36) were married. He the son of Henry Compton 1st Baron Compton and Anne Spencer Countess Dorset. They were half fifth cousin once removed.
On 4th January 1606 [her father] George Villiers of Brokesby (age 62) died. He was buried at the Chapel of St Nicholas, Westminster Abbey [Map].
Around 1608 [her son] Basil Feilding 2nd Earl Denbigh was born to [her husband] William Feilding 1st Earl Denbigh (age 21) and Susan Villiers Countess Denbigh (age 25). He married (1) before 10th March 1635 Anne Weston, daughter of Richard Weston 1st Earl of Portland and Frances Waldegrave Countess Portland (2) 12th August 1639 Barbara Lamb (3) 8th July 1641 Elizabeth Bourchier Countess Denbigh, daughter of Edward Bourchier 4th Earl Bath and Dorothy St John Countess Bath (4) after 22nd September 1670 Dorothy Lane Countess Denbigh.
In 1613 [her daughter] Margaret aka Mary Feilding was born to [her husband] William Feilding 1st Earl Denbigh (age 26) and Susan Villiers Countess Denbigh (age 30). She married 16th June 1622 James Hamilton 1st Duke Hamilton, son of James Hamilton 2nd Marquess Hamilton and Ann Cunningham Marchioness Hamilton, and had issue.
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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Around 1614 [her son] George Feilding 1st Earl Desmond was born to [her husband] William Feilding 1st Earl Denbigh (age 27) and Susan Villiers Countess Denbigh (age 31). He married before 29th December 1640 Bridget Stanhope Countess Desmond and had issue.
After August 1614 [her brother] George Villiers 1st Duke of Buckingham (age 21) was appointed Cupbearer to King James I of England and Ireland and VI of Scotland (age 48).
In 1616 [her brother] George Villiers 1st Duke of Buckingham (age 23) was appointed 413th Knight of the Garter by King James I of England and Ireland and VI of Scotland (age 49). Aged twenty-four. He had become the King's favourite.
On 1st January 1616 [her brother] George Villiers 1st Duke of Buckingham (age 23) was appointed Master of the Horse. See Diary of Anne Clifford.
On 5th January 1617 [her brother] George Villiers 1st Duke of Buckingham (age 24) was created 1st Earl Buckingham by King James I of England and Ireland and VI of Scotland (age 50); his favourite.
On 29th September 1617 [her brother] John Villiers 1st Viscount Purbeck (age 26) and [her sister-in-law] Frances Coke Viscountess Purbeck (age 15) were married at Hampton Court Palace, Richmond [Map]. King James I of England and Ireland and VI of Scotland (age 51) gave away the bride. He the son of [her father] George Villiers of Brokesby and [her mother] Mary Beaumont 1st Countess Buckingham (age 47).
In 1618 [her brother] George Villiers 1st Duke of Buckingham (age 25) was created 1st Marquess of Buckingham.
Around 13th August 1618 [her mother] Mary Beaumont 1st Countess Buckingham (age 48) was created 1st Countess Buckingham. It appears this title was for life only since her sons did not inherit it?
Before 1619 William Larkin (age 36); possibly a follower. Portrait of Susan Villiers Countess Denbigh (age 35).
On 19th July 1619 [her brother] John Villiers 1st Viscount Purbeck (age 28) was created 1st Viscount Purbeck. [her sister-in-law] Frances Coke Viscountess Purbeck (age 16) by marriage Viscountess Purbeck.
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.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
On 16th May 1620 [her brother] George Villiers 1st Duke of Buckingham (age 27) and [her sister-in-law] Katherine Manners Duchess Buckingham (age 18) were married. She by marriage Countess Buckingham. She the daughter of Francis Manners 6th Earl of Rutland (age 42) and Frances Knyvet Lady Bevill. He the son of [her father] George Villiers of Brokesby and [her mother] Mary Beaumont 1st Countess Buckingham (age 50).
On 30th December 1620 [her husband] William Feilding 1st Earl Denbigh (age 33) was created 1st Viscount Feilding, 1st Baron Feilding of Newnham Paddocks in Warwickshire. Susan Villiers Countess Denbigh (age 37) by marriage Viscountess Feilding.
In 1622 [her husband] William Feilding 1st Earl Denbigh (age 35) was appointed Custos Rotulorum Warwickshire.
In 1622 [her husband] William Feilding 1st Earl Denbigh (age 35) was appointed Master of the Great Wardrobe to King James I of England and Ireland and VI of Scotland (age 55).
In March 1622 Henry Carey 1st Viscount Falkland (age 47) was appointed Lord Deputy of Ireland through the favour of [her brother] George Villiers 1st Duke of Buckingham (age 29).
On 27th March 1622 Edward Wray and Elizabeth Norreys 3rd Baroness Norreys Rycote (age 19) were married at Church of St Mary Aldermary. [her brother] Christopher Villiers (age 29), brother of [her brother] George, Duke of Buckingham (age 29), had, with Royal encouragement, sought her hand. To avoid being forced into a marriage with him she eloped with Edward Wray. She the daughter of Francis Norreys 1st Earl Berkshire and Bridget Vere Baroness Norreys Rycote (age 37).
On 16th June 1622 [her son-in-law] James Hamilton 1st Duke Hamilton (age 15) and [her daughter] Margaret aka Mary Feilding (age 9) were married. She the daughter of [her husband] William Feilding 1st Earl Denbigh (age 35) and Susan Villiers Countess Denbigh (age 39). He the son of James Hamilton 2nd Marquess Hamilton (age 33) and Ann Cunningham Marchioness Hamilton (age 37).
On 14th September 1622 [her husband] William Feilding 1st Earl Denbigh (age 35) was created 1st Earl Denbigh. Susan Villiers Countess Denbigh (age 39) by marriage Countess Denbigh.
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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Before 18th April 1623 [her brother] Christopher Villiers 1st Earl Anglesey (age 30) and [her sister-in-law] Elizabeth Sheldon Countess Anglesey (age 15) were married. He the son of [her father] George Villiers of Brokesby and [her mother] Mary Beaumont 1st Countess Buckingham (age 53).
On 18th April 1623 [her brother] Christopher Villiers 1st Earl Anglesey (age 30) was created 1st Earl Anglesey, 1st Baron Villiers of Daventry. [her sister-in-law] Elizabeth Sheldon Countess Anglesey (age 15) by marriage Countess Anglesey.
On 18th May 1623 [her brother] George Villiers 1st Duke of Buckingham (age 30) was created 1st Duke of Buckingham by King James I of England and Ireland and VI of Scotland (age 56) for being his favourite; what favourite means is open to debate. [her sister-in-law] Katherine Manners Duchess Buckingham (age 21) by marriage Duchess of Buckingham.
On 23rd August 1628 [her brother] George Villiers 1st Duke of Buckingham (age 35) was murdered at Greyhound Pub, Portsmouth by a disgruntled soldier John Felton (age 33). He was buried at Westminster Abbey [Map]. His son [her nephew] George succeeded 2nd Duke of Buckingham, 2nd Marquess of Buckingham, 2nd Earl Buckingham.
Felton was considered a hero by many who blamed Buckingham for the failures of the 1625 Cádiz Expedition and 1627 Siege of Saint-Martin-de-Ré. Felton was subsequently hanged.
On 29th November 1628 John Felton (age 33) was hanged at Tyburn [Map] for having murdered the [her brother] Duke of Buckingham.
On 3rd April 1630 [her brother] Christopher Villiers 1st Earl Anglesey (age 37) died at Windsor, Berkshire [Map]. He was buried at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle [Map]. His son [her nephew] Charles succeeded 2nd Earl Anglesey, 2nd Baron Villiers of Daventry.
In January 1631 Frederick Cornwallis 1st Baron Cornwallis (age 19) and Elizabeth Ashburnham (age 18) were married. After the wedding King Charles I (age 30), Henrietta Maria (age 21) and Susan Feilding, Countess of Denbigh (age 48) wrote to congratulate his mother Jane, Baroness Cornwallis Bacon (age 50), and ask her to forgive him for his disobedience and return him to her favour. Denbigh said Ashburnham was her cousin "though her family be unfortunate".
On 19th April 1632 [her mother] Mary Beaumont 1st Countess Buckingham (age 62) died. She was buried at the Chapel of St Nicholas, Westminster Abbey [Map] with her husband. Their monument comprises an altar-tomb surmounted with effigies. Earl Buckingham extinct.
On 25th December 1632 [her son-in-law] Baptist Noel 3rd Viscount Campden (age 21) and [her daughter] Anne Feilding were married. She the daughter of [her husband] William Feilding 1st Earl Denbigh (age 45) and Susan Villiers Countess Denbigh (age 49).
Before 10th March 1635 [her son] Basil Feilding 2nd Earl Denbigh (age 27) and [her daughter-in-law] Anne Weston were married. She the daughter of Richard Weston 1st Earl of Portland (age 58) and Frances Waldegrave Countess Portland (age 58). He the son of [her husband] William Feilding 1st Earl Denbigh (age 48) and Susan Villiers Countess Denbigh (age 52).
In 1636 [her daughter] Anne Feilding died.
Before 10th May 1638 [her daughter] Margaret aka Mary Feilding (age 25) died.
On 12th August 1639 [her son] Basil Feilding 2nd Earl Denbigh (age 31) and [her daughter-in-law] Barbara Lamb were married. He the son of [her husband] William Feilding 1st Earl Denbigh (age 52) and Susan Villiers Countess Denbigh (age 56).
On 26th December 1639 [her son-in-law] Lewis Boyle 1st Viscount Boyle (age 20) and [her daughter] Elizabeth Feilding Countess Guildford were married at the Chapel Royal, Whitehall Palace. She the daughter of [her husband] William Feilding 1st Earl Denbigh (age 52) and Susan Villiers Countess Denbigh (age 56). He the son of Richard Boyle 1st Earl Cork (age 73) and Catherine Fenton Countess Cork.
Before 29th December 1640 [her son] George Feilding 1st Earl Desmond (age 26) and [her daughter-in-law] Bridget Stanhope Countess Desmond (age 25) were married. He the son of [her husband] William Feilding 1st Earl Denbigh (age 53) and Susan Villiers Countess Denbigh (age 57).
On 8th July 1641 [her son] Basil Feilding 2nd Earl Denbigh (age 33) and [her daughter-in-law] Elizabeth Bourchier Countess Denbigh (age 15) were married three months after the death of his second wife [her former daughter-in-law] Barbara Lamb. She the daughter of Edward Bourchier 4th Earl Bath and Dorothy St John Countess Bath. He the son of [her husband] William Feilding 1st Earl Denbigh (age 54) and Susan Villiers Countess Denbigh (age 58).
On 23rd October 1642 the Battle of Edge Hill was fought at Edge Hill [Map]. The Royal army was commanded by King Charles I of England, Scotland and Ireland (age 41) (with his son King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 12) present), Prince Rupert Palatinate Simmern 1st Duke Cumberland (age 22) and Richard Spencer (age 49) commanded the army that included Maurice Palatinate Simmern (age 21), Richard Byron 2nd Baron Byron (age 36), Lucius Carey 2nd Viscount Falkland (age 32), Charles Cavendish (age 22), Henry Newton aka Puckering 3rd Baronet (age 24), Spencer Compton 2nd Earl of Northampton (age 41), Thomas Salusbury 2nd Baronet (age 30), John Byron 1st Baron Byron (age 43) and [her husband] William Feilding 1st Earl Denbigh (age 55).
George Stewart 9th Seigneur D'Aubigny (age 24) was killed.
Of the Parliamentary army [her son] Basil Feilding 2nd Earl Denbigh (age 34) and Robert Devereux 3rd Earl Essex (age 51). Oliver St John 5th Baron St John (age 39) was wounded.
Samuel Sandes (age 27) commanded a troop of horse.
Richard Sandes (age 26) was killed.
Thomas Strickland (age 20) was knighted on the field for his gallantry.
Henry Hunloke 1st Baronet (age 24) was knighted by King Charles I of England, Scotland and Ireland.
William Dugdale (age 37) witnessed the battle and subsequently surveyed the battlefield.
John Hinton (age 38) was present.
Edward Verney (age 52) was killed.
John Assheton (age 29) was killed.
Robert Bertie 1st Earl Lindsey (age 59) was killed. His son Montagu (age 34) succeeded 2nd Earl Lindsey, 15th Baron Willoughby de Eresby.
William Pennyman 1st Baronet (age 35) commanded a regiment, of which he served as Colonel, which he led for the King.
Edward Stradling 2nd Baronet (age 42) fought for the King, was captured imprisoned for seven months, and died a month after his release.
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On 8th April 1643 [her husband] William Feilding 1st Earl Denbigh (age 56) died from wounds received at the Battle of Camp Hill at Monks Kikby, Warwickshire. His son [her son] Basil (age 35) succeeded 2nd Earl Denbigh, 2nd Viscount Feilding, 2nd Baron Feilding of Newnham Paddocks in Warwickshire. [her daughter-in-law] Elizabeth Bourchier Countess Denbigh (age 17) by marriage Countess Denbigh.
In 1652 Susan Villiers Countess Denbigh (age 69) died.
[her daughter] Anne Feilding, [her daughter] Elizabeth Feilding Countess Guildford and [her daughter] Henrietta Marie Feilding were born to William Feilding 1st Earl Denbigh and Susan Villiers Countess Denbigh.
Kings Wessex: Great x 17 Grand Daughter of King Edmund "Ironside" I of England
Kings Gwynedd: Great x 14 Grand Daughter of Owain "Great" King Gwynedd
Kings Seisyllwg: Great x 20 Grand Daughter of Hywel "Dda aka Good" King Seisyllwg King Deheubarth
Kings Powys: Great x 15 Grand Daughter of Maredudd ap Bleddyn King Powys
Kings Godwinson: Great x 18 Grand Daughter of King Harold II of England
Kings England: Great x 8 Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Kings Scotland: Great x 16 Grand Daughter of King Duncan I of Scotland
Kings Franks: Great x 13 Grand Daughter of Louis VII King of the Franks
Kings France: Great x 16 Grand Daughter of Robert "Pious" II King of the Franks
Kings Duke Aquitaine: Great x 21 Grand Daughter of Ranulf I Duke Aquitaine
Great x 4 Grandfather: John Villiers 
Great x 3 Grandfather: William Villiers
Great x 2 Grandfather: John Villiers
Great x 1 Grandfather: John Villiers
GrandFather: William Villiers of Brooksby Leicestershire
Father: George Villiers of Brokesby
Great x 1 Grandfather: Richard Clarke
GrandMother: Collette Clarke
Susan Villiers Countess Denbigh 8 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Thomas Beaumont 
4 x Great Grand Son of King Henry III of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: John Beaumont 5 x Great Grand Son of King Henry III of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Philippa Maureward
Great x 2 Grandfather: George Beaumont 4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: John Darcy 
4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Joan Darcy 3 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Joane Greystoke Baroness Darcy Knayth 
2 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 1 Grandfather: William Beaumont 5 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 2 Grandmother: George Pauncefote
GrandFather: Anthony Beaumont 6 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Ralph Bassett 
10 x Great Grand Son of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England
Great x 3 Grandfather: William Bassett 11 x Great Grand Son of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England
Great x 2 Grandfather: William Bassett 12 x Great Grand Son of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England
Great x 1 Grandmother: Mary Bassett 13 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England
Mother: Mary Beaumont 1st Countess Buckingham 7 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 1 Grandfather: Thomas Armstrong
GrandMother: Anne Armstrong