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.
All Hallows' Church Harthill is in Harthill, Churches in South Yorkshire.
Interior, exterior and monuments at All Hallows' Church Harthill [Map].
On 7th November 1624 Margaret Belasyse (age 15) died. Monument in the chancel of All Hallows' Church Harthill [Map]. Kneeler in recess facing right and flanked by columns and draped figures, open pediment with finials and arm bearers. Her arms impaled with those of her husband Edward Osborne 1st Baronet (age 27). Above those her arms 
Belasyse Arms.
Margaret Belasyse: In or before 1609 she was born to Thomas Belasyse 1st Viscount Fauconberg and Barbara Cholmley. On 13th October 1618 Edward Osborne 1st Baronet and she were married.
After 9th September 1647. Monument to Edward Osborne 1st Baronet (deceased) in the Osborne Family Chapel at All Hallows' Church Harthill [Map]. His arms impaled with those of his second wife Anne Walmesley Lady Osborne (age 47).
Anne Walmesley Lady Osborne: Around 1600 she was born to Thomas Walmesley and Eleanor Danvers. After 13th October 1618 Edward Osborne 1st Baronet and she were married. On 13th July 1620 Edward Osborne 1st Baronet was created 1st Baronet Osborne of Kiveton. She by marriage Lady Osborne of Kiveton. On 20th August 1666 she died.
After 26th July 1712. Monument to Thomas Osborne 1st Duke Leeds (deceased) in the Osborne Family Chapel at All Hallows' Church Harthill [Map]. Sad state of repair as is the case with most of the East Markham monuments.
On 23rd March 1789 Thomas Osborne 4th Duke Leeds (age 75) died at St James' Square. He was buried at the Osborne Family Chapel at All Hallows' Church Harthill [Map]. His son Francis (age 38) succeeded 5th Duke Leeds, 5th Earl of Danby, 5th Viscount Osborne, 5th Viscount Latimer, 5th Baron Osborne of Kinderton, 6th Baronet Osborne of Kiveton. Catherine Anguish Duchess Leeds (age 25) by marriage Duchess Leeds.
On 4th May 1859 Francis Godolphin Osborne 7th Duke Leeds (age 60) died. He was buried at the Osborne Family Chapel All Hallows' Church Harthill [Map]. His first cousin George (age 56) succeeded 8th Duke Leeds, 8th Earl of Danby, 8th Viscount Osborne, 8th Viscount Latimer, 8th Baron Osborne of Kinderton, 9th Baronet Osborne of Kiveton. His nephew Sackville (age 31) succeeded 15th Baron Darcy of Knayth, 12th Baron Conyers.
On 7th June 1916 Leading Seaman James Horace Wainscott died from wounds received at the Battle of Jutland whilst serving aboard HMS Southampton. Grave at All Hallows' Church Harthill [Map].