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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 30th April 1399 William Sawtry aka Salter was a priest at two Norfolk churches, St Margaret's in Lynn and Tilney.
On 30th April 1399 William Sawtry aka Salter was taken to Henry le Despenser (age 58), Bishop of Norwich, ordered he be examined. The examination lasted for two days, held at the Bishop's palace, South Elmham Hall. He charged with heresy and held in an episcopal prison.
On 25th May 1399 William Sawtry aka Salter publicly abjured Lollardy in King's Lynn.
On 26th May 1399 William Sawtry aka Salter appeared before Bishop Henry le Despenser (age 58) in St John's Hospital, King's Lynn, the next day, and swore on the Gospels that he would never again preach Lollardy. He also promised to never hear confession without a license from le Despenser. His abjuration was repeated in the Bishop's Chapel, South Elmham several days later.
In 1401 William Sawtry aka Salter moved to London and began working as a parish-priest at St Osyth's, where he preached Lollard beliefs.
On 12th February 1401 William Sawtry aka Salter appeared before ArchbIshop Thomas Arundel (age 48) at St Paul's Cathedral. He was charged with heresy.
On 26th February 1401 William Sawtry aka Salter was sentenced to death.
On 2nd March 1401 William Sawtry aka Salter was burned at the stake for heresy at Smithfield [Map]. He was the first follower of Lollardy to die for his beliefs.
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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On 10th March 1401. Henry IV's (age 33) Royal Assent was given to "De heretico comburendo", by which heretics were to be burned at the stake in reaction to the Lollard movement.
The request "... the said church would be injured or gravely oppressed or even perturbed by certain perverse doctrines, or wicked, heretical or erroneous opinions; nevertheless, various perfidious and perverse people of a certain new sect, believing damnable things of the said faith, the sacrament of the church, and its authority, rashly usurping the office of preacher, contrary to divine and ecclesiastical law, perversely and maliciously preach and teach these days, publicly and secretly, under simulation of the colour of sanctity, various new doctrines and wicked, heretical and erroneous opinions, contrary to this same faith and the holy decrees of the sacrosanct church ...".
The answer: "and they shall cause these same persons to be publicly burnt in a high place; and may punishment of this sort strike fear into the minds of others.".
On 2nd March 1401 William Sawtrey was the first heretic to be burned although his burning pre-dated the statute.