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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St John's College, Cambridge University is in Cambridge University.
Around 1517 Anthony Denny [aged 15] educated at St John's College, Cambridge University [Map].
On 19th September 1522 Bishop George Day [aged 21] became a Fellow of St John's College, Cambridge University [Map].
In 1527 Roger Lupton [aged 71] established six scholarships to St John's College, Cambridge University [Map], to be awarded exclusively to boys from Sedbergh School with a preference for founder's kin
Around 1528 John Cheke [aged 13] educated at St John's College, Cambridge University [Map].
In 1530 Thomas Hoby was born to William Hoby of Leominster in Herefordshire and Katherine Forden. In 1546 he matriculated St John's College, Cambridge University [Map]. He married 27th June 1558 Elizabeth Cooke and had issue.
Around 1535 Thomas Wentworth 2nd Baron Wentworth [aged 10] educated at St John's College, Cambridge University [Map].
In May 1535 William Cecil 1st Baron Burghley [aged 14] educated at St John's College, Cambridge University [Map].
In 1537 Bishop George Day [aged 36] became Master of St John's College, Cambridge University [Map].
Around 1540 Thomas Cromwell was born to Gregory Cromwell 1st Baron Cromwell Oakham [aged 20] and Elizabeth Seymour Baroness Cromwell Oakham [aged 22]. He was educated at St John's College, Cambridge University [Map].
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 1542 Bishop John Christopherson became a Fellow of St John's College, Cambridge University [Map].
Around 1542 William Dethick was born to Gilbert Dethick [aged 32]. He was educated at St John's College, Cambridge University [Map].
Around October 1548 Thomas Carew [aged 21] was educated at St John's College, Cambridge University [Map].
Around 1549 Thomas Browne [aged 14] educated at St John's College, Cambridge University [Map].
Around April 1549 Charles Willoughby 2nd Baron Willoughby of Parham [aged 12] was educated at St John's College, Cambridge University [Map].
Around 1550 Thomas Sackville 1st Earl Dorset [aged 14] educated at St John's College, Cambridge University [Map].
On 18th March 1558 Bishop Richard Howand [aged 17] was admitted pensioner at Christ's College, Cambridge University [Map], but he migrated to St John's College, Cambridge University [Map], where he graduated B.A. in 1561.
Around 1564 Edward Stafford [aged 12] educated at St John's College, Cambridge University [Map].
Around 1572 Ralph Eure 3rd Baron Eure [aged 13] educated at St John's College, Cambridge University [Map].
In 1574 Philip Howard 13th or 20th Earl of Arundel [aged 16] educated at St John's College, Cambridge University [Map].
In 1574 Bishop John Still [aged 40] was appointed Master of St John's College, Cambridge University [Map].
On 20th July 1577 Bishop Richard Howand [aged 36] was admitted as Master of St John's College, Cambridge University [Map].
The Deeds of the Dukes of Normandy
The Gesta Normannorum Ducum [The Deeds of the Dukes of Normandy] is a landmark medieval chronicle tracing the rise and fall of the Norman dynasty from its early roots through the pivotal events surrounding the Norman Conquest of England. Originally penned in Latin by the monk William of Jumièges shortly before 1060 and later expanded at the behest of William the Conqueror, the work chronicles the deeds, politics, battles, and leadership of the Norman dukes, especially William’s own claim to the English throne. The narrative combines earlier historical sources with firsthand information and oral testimony to present an authoritative account of Normandy’s transformation from a Viking settlement into one of medieval Europe’s most powerful realms. William’s history emphasizes the legitimacy, military prowess, and governance of the Norman line, framing their expansion, including the conquest of England, as both divinely sanctioned and noble in purpose. Later chroniclers such as Orderic Vitalis and Robert of Torigni continued the history, extending the coverage into the 12th century, providing broader context on ducal rule and its impact. Today this classic work remains a foundational source for understanding Norman identity, medieval statesmanship, and the historical forces that reshaped England and Western Europe between 800AD and 1100AD.
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In 1585 Edward Denny 1st Earl Norwich [aged 15] was educated at St John's College, Cambridge University [Map].
In October 1585 Henry Wriothesley 3rd Earl of Southampton [aged 11] admitted at St John's College, Cambridge University [Map].
On 6th June 1589 Henry Wriothesley 3rd Earl of Southampton [aged 15] graduated at St John's College, Cambridge University [Map].
Around 1609 Thomas Wentworth 1st Earl Strafford [aged 15] educated at St John's College, Cambridge University [Map].
In 1615 Algernon Percy 10th Earl of Northumberland [aged 12] educated at St John's College, Cambridge University [Map].
In 1619 James Wriothesley [aged 13] entered at St John's College, Cambridge University [Map].
Around 1624 Thomas Fairfax 3rd Lord Fairfax [aged 11] educated at St John's College, Cambridge University [Map].
Around 1635 Charles Cecil [aged 16] educated at St John's College, Cambridge University [Map].
Around 1647 Francis North 1st Baron Guildford [aged 9] educated at St John's College, Cambridge University [Map].
John Evelyn's Diary. 31st August 1654. This evening, to Cambridge; and went first to St. John's College [Map], well built of brick, and library, which I think is the fairest of that University. One Mr. Benlowes has given it all the ornaments of pietra commessa, whereof a table and one piece of perspective is very fine; other trifles there also be of no great value, besides a vast old song-book, or Service, and some fair manuscripts. There hangs in the library the picture of John Williams, Archbishop of York, sometime Lord Keeper, my kinsman, and their great benefactor.
Around 1664 James Cecil 3rd Earl Salisbury [aged 16] educated at St John's College, Cambridge University [Map].
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 1666 Robert Marsham 4th Baronet [aged 15] matriculated at St John's College, Cambridge University [Map].
In 1667 Titus Oates [aged 17] transferred to St John's College, Cambridge University [Map] leaving the same year without a degree.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 8th October 1667. And then to the garden, and there eat many grapes, and took some with us and so away thence, exceeding well satisfied, though not to that degree that, by my old esteem of the house, I ought and did expect to have done, the situation of it not pleasing me. Here we parted with Lowther [aged 26] and his friends, and away to Cambridge, it being foul, rainy weather, and there did take up at the Rose [Map], for the sake of Mrs. Dorothy Drawwater, the vintner's daughter, which is mentioned in the play of Sir Martin Marrall. Here we had a good chamber, and bespoke a good supper; and then I took my wife, and W. Hewer [aged 25], and Willet, it holding up a little, and shewed them Trinity College [Map] and St. John's Library [Map], and went to King's College Chapel [Map], to see the outside of it only; and so to our inne, and with much pleasure did this, they walking in their pretty morning gowns, very handsome, and I proud to find myself in condition to do this; and so home to our lodging, and there by and by, to supper, with much good sport, talking with the Drawers concerning matters of the town, and persons whom I remember, and so, after supper, to cards; and then to bed, lying, I in one bed, and my wife and girl in another, in the same room, and very merry talking together, and mightily pleased both of us with the girl. Saunders, the only violin in my time, is, I hear, dead of the plague in the late plague there.
In 1671 Henry Hobart 4th Baronet [aged 14] educated at St John's College, Cambridge University [Map].
On 6th February 1671 William Robinson 1st Baronet [aged 15] was admitted to St John's College, Cambridge University [Map].
On 30th April 1695 Richard Anguish aka Allin 1st Baronet [aged 36] was admitted to St John's College, Cambridge University [Map].
In 1699 Nicholas Leke 4th Earl Scarsdale [aged 17] admitted at St John's College, Cambridge University [Map].
In 1716 William Craven 3rd Baron Craven [aged 16] educated at St John's College, Cambridge University [Map].
In 1722 Samuel Pegge [aged 17] became a pensioner and scholar of St John's College, Cambridge University [Map], graduating BA in 1725, MA in 1729.
Around 1738 Peter Burrell [aged 13] educated at St John's College, Cambridge University [Map].
Around 1747 Henry Carteret 1st Baron Carteret [aged 12] educated at St John's College, Cambridge University [Map].
In 1753 Henry Carteret 1st Baron Carteret [aged 18] graduated Master of Arts: Cambridge University at St John's College, Cambridge University [Map].
Around 1760 Robert Bertie 4th Duke Ancaster and Kesteven [aged 3] educated at St John's College, Cambridge University [Map].
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 18th August 1760 Patrick Blake 1st Baronet [aged 18] was admitted to St John's College, Cambridge University [Map].
On 17th September 1763 Charlton Leighton 4th Baronet [aged 16] was admitted to St John's College, Cambridge University [Map].
In 1767 John Henniker-Major 2nd Baron Henniker [aged 14] was admitted to St John's College, Cambridge University [Map]. He graduated MA in 1771 by Royal Mandate.
Around 1772 Peter Burrell Baron Willoughby, 1st Baron Gwydyr [aged 17] educated at St John's College, Cambridge University [Map].
Around 1786 William Charles Keppel 4th Earl Albermarle [aged 13] educated at St John's College, Cambridge University [Map].
In 1787 Thomas Thynne 2nd Marquess of Bath [aged 21] graduated Master of Arts: Cambridge University at St John's College, Cambridge University [Map].
On 8th June 1797 Henry William Powlett 3rd Baron Bayning was born to Charles Townshend 1st Baron Bayning [aged 67] and Annabella Smith-Powlett [aged 42]. He was educated at Eton College [Map] and St John's College, Cambridge University [Map]. Coefficient of inbreeding 3.24%.
Around 1800 John Lumley-Savile 8th Earl Scarborough [aged 11] educated at St John's College, Cambridge University [Map].
In 1815 Frederick Henniker 2nd Baronet [aged 22] graduated from St John's College, Cambridge University [Map] with a BA.
In 1815 Thomas Cecil [aged 17] graduated at St John's College, Cambridge University [Map].
In 1829 Thomas Neville Abdy 1st Baronet [aged 18] matricuated St John's College, Cambridge University [Map]. He graduated in 1833 with a BA.
Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall
The Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall (Chronicon Anglicanum) is an indispensable medieval history that brings to life centuries of English and European affairs through the eyes of a learned Cistercian monk. Ralph of Coggeshall, abbot of the Abbey of Coggeshall in Essex in the early 13th century, continued and expanded his community’s chronicle, documenting events from the Norman Conquest of 1066 into the tumultuous reign of King Henry III. Blending eyewitness testimony, careful compilation, and the monastic commitment to record-keeping, this chronicle offers a rare narrative of political intrigue, royal power struggles, and social upheaval in England and beyond. Ralph’s work captures the reigns of pivotal figures such as Richard I and King John, providing invaluable insights into their characters, decisions, and the forces that shaped medieval rule. More than a simple annal, Chronicon Anglicanum conveys the texture of medieval life and governance, making it a rich source for scholars and readers fascinated by English history, monastic authorship, and the shaping of the medieval world.
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Around 1837 William Alleyne Cecil 3rd Marquess Exeter [aged 11] educated at St John's College, Cambridge University [Map].
In 1859 George Body [aged 18] matriculated St John's College, Cambridge University [Map] being awarded BA in 1862, MA in 1876, MA ad eundem in 1884 and DD in 1885.
On 29th October 1868 William Vere Reeve Fane aka King-Fane was born to William Dashwood Fane [aged 52] and Susan Millicent Reeve [aged 52] at 2 Norfolk Crescent. He was educated at St John's College, Cambridge University [Map]. He married 16th May 1895 Helen Beatrice Newman and had issue.
In 1930 William Law Williams 8th Baronet [aged 22] graduated from St John's College, Cambridge University [Map] with a BA.