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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Mottram, Cheshire is in Cheshire.
See: Back Lane, Mottram.
In 1290 Margaret Vernon was born to Richard Vernon (age 32) at Mottram, Cheshire. She married Hamon Strange, son of John Strange 1st Baron Strange Knockin and Maud Eiville Baroness Strange Knockin.
Around 1436 Edmund Shaa was born to John Shaa (age 26) at Mottram, Cheshire.
Around 1715 John Chadwick was born at Mottram, Cheshire.
In May 1739 George Chadwick was born to John Chadwick (age 24) at Mottram, Cheshire. He married 5th November 1767 Martha Hill and had issue.
In 1747 Martha Hill was born at Mottram, Cheshire. She married 5th November 1767 George Chadwick and had issue.
On 5th November 1767 George Chadwick (age 28) and Martha Hill (age 20) were married at Mottram, Cheshire.
Around 1829 George Chadwick (age 89) died at Mottram, Cheshire.
In January 1830 Martha Hill (age 83) died at Mottram, Cheshire.
In June 1832 George Chadwick (age 50) died at Mottram, Cheshire.
On 6th October 1839 George Chadwick was born to Azariah Chadwick (age 27) and Hannah Hinchcliffe (age 28) at Mottram, Cheshire. He married on or before 1876 Sophia Smith and had issue.
Henrici Quinti, Angliæ Regis, Gesta, is a first-hand account of the Agincourt Campaign, and subsequent events to his death in 1422. The author of the first part was a Chaplain in King Henry's retinue who was present from King Henry's departure at Southampton in 1415, at the siege of Harfleur, the battle of Agincourt, and the celebrations on King Henry's return to London. The second part, by another writer, relates the events that took place including the negotiations at Troye, Henry's marriage and his death in 1422.
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In April 1843 Sophia Smith was born to William Smith (age 30) and Martha m William Smith at Mottram, Cheshire. She married on or before 1876 George Chadwick and had issue.
1851. 1851 Census Cheshire Mottram. Back Lane, Mottram.
William Smith (age 38). Head. 38. Butcher.
Martha m William Smith. Wife. 34. Housekeeper.
Sophia Smith (age 7). Daughter. 8.