Text this colour links to Pages. Text this colour links to Family Trees. Text this colour are links that disabled for Guests.
Place the mouse over images to see a larger image. Click on paintings to see the painter's Biography Page.
Mouse over links for a preview. Move the mouse off the painting or link to close the popup.

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.

Evesham, Worcestershire, South-Central England, British Isles [Map]

Evesham, Worcestershire is in Worcestershire.

On 23rd February 1238 Hugh Despencer (age 41) died at Evesham, Worcestershire [Map]. He was buried at Evesham Abbey [Map].

Evesham Abbey, Worcestershire, South-Central England, British Isles [Map]

Evesham Abbey is also in Abbeys in England.

Between 700 and 710 Evesham Abbey [Map] was a Benedictine founded by Saint Egwin.

In 1014 Bishop Ælfweard of London was appointed Abbot of Evesham.

Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. After 27th July 1054. This same year went Bishop Aldred south over sea into Saxony, to Cologne, on the king's errand; where he was entertained with great respect by the emperor, abode there well-nigh a year, and received presents not only from the court, but from the Bishop of Cologne and the emperor. He commissioned Bishop Leofwine to consecrate the minster at Evesham [Map]; and it was consecrated in the same year, on the sixth before the ides of October. This year also died Osgod Clapa suddenly in his bed, as he lay at rest.

In 1230 Abbot Thomas of Marlborough was appointed Abbot of Evesham.

On 25th September 1236 Abbot Richard le Gras was elected Abbot of Evesham and was installed on 6th December 1236.

On 23rd February 1238 Hugh Despencer (age 41) died at Evesham, Worcestershire [Map]. He was buried at Evesham Abbey [Map].

Chronicle of Walter of Guisborough

A canon regular of the Augustinian Guisborough Priory, Yorkshire, formerly known as The Chronicle of Walter of Hemingburgh, describes the period from 1066 to 1346. Before 1274 the Chronicle is based on other works. Thereafter, the Chronicle is original, and a remarkable source for the events of the time. This book provides a translation of the Chronicle from that date. The Latin source for our translation is the 1849 work edited by Hans Claude Hamilton. Hamilton, in his preface, says: 'In the present work we behold perhaps one of the finest samples of our early chronicles, both as regards the value of the events recorded, and the correctness with which they are detailed; Nor will the pleasing style of composition be lightly passed over by those capable of seeing reflected from it the tokens of a vigorous and cultivated mind, and a favourable specimen of the learning and taste of the age in which it was framed.'

Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.

Minutes of the Society of Antiquaries. 13th November 1718. Mr Norroy (age 57) brought us an old roll in Parchment of the Blazon of the Coats of Aarms of all the County of Norfolk in the time of Henry VII said to be done by the Botton[?] herald to Sir John Falstaff. An old deed upon parchment of Edward the Confessor, a piece of great antiquity. Its a donation of a Mannor [Manor] in Great Swell [Map] in Gloucestershire to the Abby of Evesham [Map]. Likewise two curious old books of seals of the nobility, with many ancient deeds, &c.

Fladbury, Evesham, Worcestershire, South-Central England, British Isles

On 30th August 1717 Bishop William Lloyd (age 90) died in Hartlebury Castle, Worcestershire [Map]. he was buried in Fladbury, Evesham.