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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Paternal Family Tree: Gerard
In or before 1520 [his father] James Gerard of Astley (age 9) and [his mother] Margaret Holcroft (age 9) were married.
After 1522 William Gerard was born to [his father] James Gerard of Astley (age 12) and [his mother] Margaret Holcroft (age 12).
In or before 1551 William Gerard (age 28) and Dorothy Page were married.
Around 1551 [his son] William Gerard was born to William Gerard (age 28) and [his wife] Dorothy Page. He was educated at Harrow School and Trinity College, Cambridge University [Map]. He married before 23rd October 1587 Dorothy Ratcliffe and had issue.
In October 1553 William Gerard (age 31) was elected MP Preston.
On 5th March 1558 [his father] James Gerard of Astley (age 48) died.
In 1559 [his mother] Margaret Holcroft (age 49) died.
In 1559 William Gerard (age 36) was elected MP Wigan.
In 1563 William Gerard (age 40) was elected MP Wigan.
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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In 1571 William Gerard (age 48) was elected MP Wigan.
On 19th September 1584 William Gerard (age 62) died.
Great x 4 Grandfather: Peter Garrard of Kingsley and Bryn
Great x 3 Grandfather: John Gerard
Great x 2 Grandfather: William Gerard
Great x 1 Grandfather: Thomas Gerard
GrandFather: William Gerard
Father: James Gerard of Astley
Great x 1 Grandfather: John Holcroft
GrandFather: John Holcroft
Mother: Margaret Holcroft