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.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
Paternal Family Tree: Adams aka Anson
Maternal Family Tree: Louisa Barbara Catherine Phillips Countess Lichfield 1800-1879
On 11th February 1819 [his father] Thomas William Anson 1st Earl Lichfield [aged 23] and [his mother] Louisa Barbara Catherine Phillips Countess Lichfield [aged 19] were married.
On 15th August 1825 Thomas George Anson 2nd Earl Lichfield was born to [his father] Thomas William Anson 1st Earl Lichfield [aged 29] and [his mother] Louisa Barbara Catherine Phillips Countess Lichfield [aged 25].
On 10th September 1826 Thomas George Anson 2nd Earl Lichfield [aged 1] was baptised at St Michael and All Angels Church, Colwich [Map].
1832. George Hayter [aged 39]. Portrait of [his mother] Louisa Barbara Catherine Phillips Countess Lichfield [aged 32] with two of her children Thomas George Anson 2nd Earl Lichfield [aged 6] and [his sister] Harriet Frances Maria Anson Baroness Vernon [aged 4].
Louisa Barbara Catherine Phillips Countess Lichfield: In 1800 she was born to Nathaniel Phillips. On 11th February 1819 Thomas William Anson 1st Earl Lichfield and she were married. On 20th August 1879 she died in Hill Street.
On 29th August 1843 [his brother-in-law] Francis Richard Charteris 10th Earl of Wemyss [aged 25] and [his sister] Anne Frederica Anson Countess Wemyss [aged 20] were married. She the daughter of [his father] Thomas William Anson 1st Earl Lichfield [aged 47] and [his mother] Louisa Barbara Catherine Phillips Countess Lichfield [aged 43]. He the son of Francis Charles Charteris 9th Earl of Wemyss [aged 47] and Louisa Bingham Countess Wemyss [aged 45].
On 7th June 1851 [his brother-in-law] Augustus Henry Vernon 6th Baron Vernon [aged 22] and [his sister] Harriet Frances Maria Anson Baroness Vernon [aged 23] were married. She the daughter of [his father] Thomas William Anson 1st Earl Lichfield [aged 55] and [his mother] Louisa Barbara Catherine Phillips Countess Lichfield [aged 51]. They were third cousins.
On 18th March 1854 [his father] Thomas William Anson 1st Earl Lichfield [aged 58] died. His son Thomas [aged 28] succeeded 2nd Earl Lichfield, 3rd Viscount Anson of Shugborough and Orgrave in Staffordshire and 3rd Baron Soberton of Soberton in Hampshire
On 10th April 1855 Thomas George Anson 2nd Earl Lichfield [aged 29] and Harriet Georgiana Louisa Hamilton Countess Lichfield [aged 21] were married. She by marriage Countess Lichfield. She the daughter of James Hamilton 1st Duke of Abercorn [aged 44] and Louisa Jane Russell Duchess Abercorn [aged 42]. He the son of Thomas William Anson 1st Earl Lichfield and Louisa Barbara Catherine Phillips Countess Lichfield [aged 55].
In 1856 [his son] Thomas Francis Anson 3rd Earl Lichfield was born to Thomas George Anson 2nd Earl Lichfield [aged 30] and [his wife] Harriet Georgiana Louisa Hamilton Countess Lichfield [aged 22]. He was educated at Harrow School and Trinity College, Cambridge University [Map] taking a BA in 1876. He married 5th November 1878 his half first cousin twice removed Mildred Coke Countess Lichfield, daughter of Thomas Coke 2nd Earl of Leicester and Juliana Whitbread Countess Leicester, and had issue.
In 1857 [his son] George Augustus Anson was born to Thomas George Anson 2nd Earl Lichfield [aged 31] and [his wife] Harriet Georgiana Louisa Hamilton Countess Lichfield [aged 23].
In 1858 [his son] Henry James Anson was born to Thomas George Anson 2nd Earl Lichfield [aged 32] and [his wife] Harriet Georgiana Louisa Hamilton Countess Lichfield [aged 24]. He married 1902 his fourth cousin once removed Adelaide Audrey Ryder, daughter of Henry Ryder 4th Earl of Harrowby.
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 26th October 1858 William Henry Edgecumbe 4th Earl of Mount Edgcumbe [aged 24] and [his sister-in-law] Katherine Elizabeth Hamilton Countess Mount Edgcumbe [aged 18] were married. She the daughter of [his father-in-law] James Hamilton 1st Duke of Abercorn [aged 47] and [his mother-in-law] Louisa Jane Russell Duchess Abercorn [aged 46]. He the son of Ernest Augustus Edgecumbe 3rd Earl of Mount Edgcumbe [aged 61].
On 22nd November 1859 William Scott 6th Duke Buccleuch 8th Duke Queensberry [aged 28] and [his sister-in-law] Louisa Jane Hamilton Duchess Buccleuch and Queensbury [aged 23] were married. She the daughter of [his father-in-law] James Hamilton 1st Duke of Abercorn [aged 48] and [his mother-in-law] Louisa Jane Russell Duchess Abercorn [aged 47]. He the son of Walter Scott 5th Duke Buccleuch 7th Duke Queensberry and Charlotte Anne Thynne Duchess Buccleuch Duchess Queensbury [aged 48]. They were fifth cousins. She a great x 4 granddaughter of King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland.
In 1860 [his daughter] Florence Beatrice Anson was born to Thomas George Anson 2nd Earl Lichfield [aged 34] and [his wife] Harriet Georgiana Louisa Hamilton Countess Lichfield [aged 26].
On 3rd September 1861 Ernest Augustus Edgecumbe 3rd Earl of Mount Edgcumbe [aged 64] died. His son William [aged 27] succeeded 4th Earl of Mount Edgcumbe, 5th Baron Edgcumbe. [his sister-in-law] Katherine Elizabeth Hamilton Countess Mount Edgcumbe [aged 21] by marriage Countess of Mount Edgcumbe.
In 1862 [his son] Frederic William Anson was born to Thomas George Anson 2nd Earl Lichfield [aged 36] and [his wife] Harriet Georgiana Louisa Hamilton Countess Lichfield [aged 28].
In 1864 [his son] Claud Anson was born to Thomas George Anson 2nd Earl Lichfield [aged 38] and [his wife] Harriet Georgiana Louisa Hamilton Countess Lichfield [aged 30]. He married 1901 his fifth cousin Clodagh Beresford, daughter of John Beresford 5th Marquess Waterford and Blanche Somerset Marchioness of Waterford.
In 1865 [his daughter] Beatrice Anson was born to Thomas George Anson 2nd Earl Lichfield [aged 39] and [his wife] Harriet Georgiana Louisa Hamilton Countess Lichfield [aged 31]. She married 30th July 1890 Colonel Richard Hamilton Rawson and had issue.
On 31st May 1866 George Venables-Vernon aka Warren 5th Baron Vernon [aged 62] died in Gibralta. His son [his brother-in-law] Augustus [aged 37] succeeded 6th Baron Vernon of Kinderton in Cheshire. [his sister] Harriet Frances Maria Anson Baroness Vernon [aged 38] by marriage Baroness Vernon of Kinderton in Cheshire.
In 1867 [his son] Francis Anson was born to Thomas George Anson 2nd Earl Lichfield [aged 41] and [his wife] Harriet Georgiana Louisa Hamilton Countess Lichfield [aged 33].
In 1869 Henry Petty-Fitzmaurice 5th Marquess Lansdowne [aged 23] and [his sister-in-law] Maud Evelyn Hamilton Marchioness Lansdowne [aged 19] were married. She by marriage Marchioness Lansdowne. She the daughter of [his father-in-law] James Hamilton 1st Duke of Abercorn [aged 57] and [his mother-in-law] Louisa Jane Russell Duchess Abercorn [aged 56]. He the son of Henry Thomas Petty-Fitzmaurice 4th Marquess Lansdowne and Emily Jane de Flahaut Marchioness Lansdowne [aged 49]. They were fourth cousins. She a great x 4 granddaughter of King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland.
In 1869 George Charles Spencer-Churchill 8th Duke of Marlborough [aged 24] and [his sister-in-law] Albertha Frances Anne Hamilton Duchess of Marlborough [aged 22] were married. She the daughter of [his father-in-law] James Hamilton 1st Duke of Abercorn [aged 57] and [his mother-in-law] Louisa Jane Russell Duchess Abercorn [aged 56]. He the son of John Winston Spencer-Churchill 7th Duke of Marlborough [aged 46] and Frances Anne Emily Vane Duchess of Marlborough [aged 46]. They were third cousin once removed. She a great x 4 granddaughter of King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland.
In 1869 [his brother-in-law] James Hamilton 2nd Duke of Abercorn [aged 30] and Mary Anna Curzon Howe Duchess Abercorn [aged 21] were married. She by marriage Duchess Abercorn. She the daughter of Richard William Penn Curzon Howe 1st Earl Howe [aged 72] and Anne Gore Countess Howe. He the son of [his father-in-law] James Hamilton 1st Duke of Abercorn [aged 57] and [his mother-in-law] Louisa Jane Russell Duchess Abercorn [aged 56].
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.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
In 1869 [his daughter] Mary Maud Anson was born to Thomas George Anson 2nd Earl Lichfield [aged 43] and [his wife] Harriet Georgiana Louisa Hamilton Countess Lichfield [aged 35]. She married 1893 her fourth cousin once removed Edward Alan Dudley Ryder, son of Henry Ryder 4th Earl of Harrowby.
In 1870 [his daughter] Edith Anson was born to Thomas George Anson 2nd Earl Lichfield [aged 44] and [his wife] Harriet Georgiana Louisa Hamilton Countess Lichfield [aged 36].
In 1871 [his sister-in-law] Beatrix Frances Hamilton Countess Durham [aged 36] died.
In 1872 [his son] William Anson was born to Thomas George Anson 2nd Earl Lichfield [aged 46] and [his wife] Harriet Georgiana Louisa Hamilton Countess Lichfield [aged 38].
In 1873 [his daughter] Evelyn Anson was born to Thomas George Anson 2nd Earl Lichfield [aged 47] and [his wife] Harriet Georgiana Louisa Hamilton Countess Lichfield [aged 39].
In 1874 [his sister-in-law] Katherine Elizabeth Hamilton Countess Mount Edgcumbe [aged 34] died.
In 1876 [his son] Alfred Anson was born to Thomas George Anson 2nd Earl Lichfield [aged 50] and [his wife] Harriet Georgiana Louisa Hamilton Countess Lichfield [aged 42].
On 5th November 1878 Thomas Francis Anson 3rd Earl Lichfield [aged 22] and Mildred Coke Countess Lichfield [aged 24] were married at St Withburga's Church, Holkham [Map]. She the daughter of Thomas Coke 2nd Earl of Leicester [aged 55] and Juliana Whitbread Countess Leicester. He the son of Thomas George Anson 2nd Earl Lichfield [aged 53] and Harriet Georgiana Louisa Hamilton Countess Lichfield [aged 44]. They were half first cousin twice removed. He a great x 5 grandson of King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland. She a great x 5 granddaughter of King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland.
On 20th August 1879 [his mother] Louisa Barbara Catherine Phillips Countess Lichfield [aged 79] died in Hill Street.
In 1882 Edward Turnour 5th Earl Winterton [aged 44] and [his sister-in-law] Georgiana Susan Hamilton Countess Winterton [aged 41] were married. She the daughter of [his father-in-law] James Hamilton 1st Duke of Abercorn [aged 70] and [his mother-in-law] Louisa Jane Russell Duchess Abercorn [aged 69].
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.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
On 1st January 1883 Francis Charles Charteris 9th Earl of Wemyss [aged 86] died. His son [his brother-in-law] Francis [aged 64] succeeded 10th Earl Wemyss, 3rd Baron Wemyss of Wemyss in Fife. [his sister] Anne Frederica Anson Countess Wemyss [aged 59] by marriage Countess Wemyss.
On 5th July 1883 John Winston Spencer-Churchill 7th Duke of Marlborough [aged 61] died. His son George [aged 39] succeeded 8th Duke Marlborough, 8th Marquess of Blandford, 8th Earl of Marlborough, 8th Baron Churchill of Sandridge in Hertfordshire, 10th Earl of Sunderland, 12th Baron Spencer Wormleighton. [his sister-in-law] Albertha Frances Anne Hamilton Duchess of Marlborough [aged 36] by marriage Duchess Marlborough.
On 16th April 1884 Walter Scott 5th Duke Buccleuch 7th Duke Queensberry died at Bowhill. He was buried in Buccleuch Crypt, St Nicholas Church, Dalkeith. His son William [aged 52] succeeded 6th Duke Buccleuch, 8th Duke Queensberry, 6th Earl Doncaster, 6th Baron Scott of Tynedale. [his sister-in-law] Louisa Jane Hamilton Duchess Buccleuch and Queensbury [aged 47] by marriage Duchess Buccleuch Duchess Queensberry.
On 31st October 1885 [his father-in-law] James Hamilton 1st Duke of Abercorn [aged 74] died. His son [his brother-in-law] James [aged 47] succeeded 2nd Duke Abercorn, 3rd Marquess Abercorn, 11th Earl Abercorn.
On 30th July 1890 [his son-in-law] Colonel Richard Hamilton Rawson [aged 27] and Beatrice Anson [aged 25] were married. She the daughter of Thomas George Anson 2nd Earl Lichfield [aged 64] and Harriet Georgiana Louisa Hamilton Countess Lichfield [aged 56].
On 7th January 1892 Thomas George Anson 2nd Earl Lichfield [aged 66] died. His son Thomas [aged 36] succeeded 3rd Earl Lichfield, 4th Viscount Anson of Shugborough and Orgrave in Staffordshire and 4th Baron Soberton of Soberton in Hampshire. Mildred Coke Countess Lichfield [aged 38] by marriage Countess Lichfield.
In 1913 [his former wife] Harriet Georgiana Louisa Hamilton Countess Lichfield [aged 79] died.
Kings Wessex: Great x 23 Grand Son of King Edmund "Ironside" I of England
Kings Gwynedd: Great x 20 Grand Son of Owain "Great" King Gwynedd
Kings Seisyllwg: Great x 26 Grand Son of Hywel "Dda aka Good" King Seisyllwg King Deheubarth
Kings Powys: Great x 21 Grand Son of Maredudd ap Bleddyn King Powys
Kings Godwinson: Great x 24 Grand Son of King Harold II of England
Kings England: Great x 14 Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Kings Scotland: Great x 22 Grand Son of King Duncan I of Scotland
Kings Franks: Great x 30 Grand Son of Charles "Charlemagne aka Great" King of the Franks King Lombardy Holy Roman Emperor
Kings France: Great x 24 Grand Son of Hugh I King of the Franks
Kings Duke Aquitaine: Great x 27 Grand Son of Ranulf I Duke Aquitaine
Great x 2 Grandfather: Sambrooke Adams 
Great x 1 Grandfather: George Adams aka Anson
Great x 3 Grandfather: William Anson
Great x 2 Grandmother: Janette Anson
GrandFather: Thomas Anson 1st Viscount Anson 12 x Great Grand Son of King Henry IV of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: George Vernon 
8 x Great Grand Son of King Henry IV of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: Henry Vernon 9 x Great Grand Son of King Henry IV of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Catherine Vernon 9 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry IV of England
Great x 2 Grandfather: George Venables-Vernon 1st Baron Vernon 10 x Great Grand Son of King Henry IV of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Thomas Pigot of Chetwynd in Shropshire
Great x 3 Grandmother: Anne Pigot
Great x 1 Grandmother: Mary Venables-Vernon 11 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry IV of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Simon Harcourt 1st Viscount Harcourt 
15 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: Simon Harcourt 16 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 2 Grandmother: Martha Harcourt Baroness Vernon of Kinderton 17 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: John The Younger Evelyn
Great x 3 Grandmother: Elizabeth Evelyn
Father: Thomas William Anson 1st Earl Lichfield 13 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Gabriel Roberts
Great x 3 Grandfather: Lieutenant-Colonel Philip Roberts 15 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Mary Wenman 14 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 2 Grandfather: Wenman Roberts aka Coke 
10 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Edward Coke 8 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Anne Coke 9 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Carey Newton 
11 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 1 Grandfather: Thomas Coke 1st Earl of Leicester 11 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: George Chamberlayne of Wardington
Great x 3 Grandfather: George Chamberlayne
Great x 2 Grandmother: Elizabeth Chamberlayne
Great x 4 Grandfather: Rear-Admiral Thomas Hardy
Great x 3 Grandmother: Constance Hardy
GrandMother: Anne Margaret Coke Viscountess Anson 12 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: James Naper
Great x 3 Grandfather: James Naper
Great x 2 Grandfather: James Lenox Dutton 12 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Ralph Dutton 1st Baronet 
10 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Anne Dutton 11 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Mary Barwick Lady Dutton
Great x 1 Grandmother: Jane Dutton 13 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: Christopher Bond
Great x 2 Grandmother: Jane Bond
Thomas George Anson 2nd Earl Lichfield 14 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
GrandFather: Nathaniel Phillips
Mother: Louisa Barbara Catherine Phillips Countess Lichfield