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.
St Mary's Church, Sprotbrough is in Sprotbrough, South Yorkshire, Churches in South Yorkshire.
1170. St Mary's Church, Sprotbrough [Map]. The present church is late Norman and is thought to be built around 1170. In 1516, the roof was replaced and clerestory windows added. The original roof line is still visible. Lower part of tower is 14th Century. A very rare stone 'sanctuary' seat which gave respite to fugitives.
Around 1280. St Mary's Church, Sprotbrough [Map]. Effigy of a Knight in 14th Century cusped, ogee recess. Probably of the Fitzwilliam Family - 
Fitzwilliam Arms.
In 1325 Isabel Deincourt [aged 50] died at Emley Wakefield. She was buried at St Mary's Church, Sprotbrough [Map].
Around 1350. St Mary's Church, Sprotbrough [Map]. Effigy of unknown female in 20th Century Canopy. Appears to be clasping her heart. Note the curious carving at her feet shown reflected in mirror.
Around 1350 Sanctuary Seat aka The Firth Stool at St Mary's Church, Sprotbrough [Map]. The seat would give sanctuary in the church if one sat on it. The chair has a traceried panel on its left side, which cannot be seen in the image. On the arm is a sculpture of a figure which is quite worn, and underneath the seat is a bearded figure with their head under the seat and resting on their hands, as if pushing the chiar up. The chair is likely to be 14th century, and the church dates back to the 13th and 14th centuries.
After 1474. St Mary's Church, Sprotbrough [Map]. The upper two stages of the Tower were reconstructed around 1474 by the will of Sir William Fitzwilliam [aged 57]. The east opening of the tower was closed when the organ was added in the early 19th century.
William Fitzwilliam: In 1417 he was born to John Fitzwilliam and Margaret Clarell Lady of the Garter at Sprotbrough, South Yorkshire. Before 1st December 1474 William Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth Chaworth were married. On 1st December 1474 William Fitzwilliam died.
After 1st December 1474. Memorial brass to William Fitzwilliam [deceased] and his wife Elizabeth Chaworth [deceased] at St Mary's Church, Sprotbrough [Map].
Elizabeth Chaworth: In 1418 she was born to Thomas Chaworth. On 1st December 1474 Elizabeth Chaworth died.
9th September 1713. Jane Barrett, aged thirteen, daughter of Paul Baarrett of Kent, was buried at St Mary's Church, Sprotbrough [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.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
On 21st February 1732 Maria Wilson aka Burrill [aged 63] died. She was buried at St Mary's Church, Sprotbrough [Map].
Maria Wilson aka Burrill: In 1669 she was born. Before 5th November 1709 Lionel Copley and she were married.
In 1757 Reverend Thomas Loxley [aged 35] was appointed Rector of St Mary's Church, Sprotbrough [Map].
After 4th December 1760. St Mary's Church, Sprotbrough [Map]. Memorial to William Wrightson of Cusworth [deceased].
On 21st April 1761 Godfrey Copley [aged 54] died. He was buried at St Mary's Church, Sprotbrough [Map].
Godfrey Copley: In 1707 he was born to Lionel Copley and Maria Wilson aka Burrill.
On 20th December 1766 Lionel Copley [aged 57] died. He was buried at St Mary's Church, Sprotbrough [Map].
Lionel Copley: On 5th November 1709 he was born to Lionel Copley and Maria Wilson aka Burrill.
On 5th March 1790 Reverend Thomas Loxley [aged 68] died. He was buried at St Mary's Church, Sprotbrough [Map] on 8th March 1790.
8th March 1790. Memorial to Reverend Thomas Loxley [deceased]. Rector of St Mary's Church, Sprotbrough [Map].
Reverend Thomas Loxley: In 1722 he was born to Thomas Loxley and Elizabeth Revell. In 1757 he was appointed Rector of St Mary's Church, Sprotbrough [Map]. On 5th March 1790 he died. He was buried at St Mary's Church, Sprotbrough [Map] on 8th March 1790.
On 4th March 1806 Lionel Copley 2nd Baronet [aged 39] died unmarried and without issue. He was buried at St Mary's Church, Sprotbrough [Map]. His brother Joseph [aged 36] succeeded 3rd Baronet Copley Sprotborough.
Lionel Copley 2nd Baronet: Around 1767 he was born to Joseph Moyle aka Copley 1st Baronet and Mary Buller Lady Copley. On 16th April 1781 Joseph Moyle aka Copley 1st Baronet died. His son Lionel succeeded 2nd Baronet Copley Sprotborough.
Joseph Copley 3rd Baronet: On 10th May 1769 he was born to Joseph Moyle aka Copley 1st Baronet and Mary Buller Lady Copley. On 4th March 1792 John Hamilton 1st Marquess Abercorn and Cecil Hamilton were married. She by marriage Marchioness Abercorn. They were divorced in April 1799. She married the Joseph Copley 3rd Baronet the following month; he being the brother of the Marquess' first wife Catherine Moyle Marchioness Abercorn. They were first cousins. On 23rd May 1799 Joseph Copley 3rd Baronet and Cecil Hamilton Marchioness Abercorn were married. She by marriage Lady Copley Sprotborough. He was the younger brother of her first husband's [John Hamilton 1st Marquess Abercorn] first wife Catherine Moyle Marchioness Abercorn.
After 22nd July 1811. St Mary's Church, Sprotbrough [Map]. Ledger stone of Samuel Clowe of Broughton Hall in Lancashire.
On 19th June 1819 Cecil Hamilton Marchioness Abercorn [aged 49] died. She was buried at St Mary's Church, Sprotbrough [Map].
Cecil Hamilton Marchioness Abercorn: On 13th March 1770 she was born to George Hamilton.
On 21st May 1838 Joseph Copley 3rd Baronet [aged 69] died. He was buried at St Mary's Church, Sprotbrough [Map]. His son Joseph [aged 33] succeeded 4th Baronet Copley Sprotborough. Charlotte Anderson-Pelham Lady Copley [aged 27] by marriage Lady Copley Sprotborough.
Joseph William Copley 4th Baronet: On 26th July 1804 he was born to Joseph Copley 3rd Baronet and Cecil Hamilton Marchioness Abercorn. On 19th November 1831 Joseph William Copley 4th Baronet and Charlotte Anderson-Pelham Lady Copley were married. She the daughter of Charles Anderson-Pelham 1st Earl Yarborough. He the son of Joseph Copley 3rd Baronet and Cecil Hamilton Marchioness Abercorn. On 4th January 1883 Joseph William Copley 4th Baronet died without issue. Baronet Copley Sprotborough extinct. He was buried at Brompton Cemetery, Kensington.
Charlotte Anderson-Pelham Lady Copley: On 21st October 1810 she was born to Charles Anderson-Pelham 1st Earl Yarborough. On 10th August 1875 Charlotte Anderson-Pelham Lady Copley died. She was buried at All Saints' Church, Brocklesby [Map].
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.
1872. St Mary's Church, Sprotbrough [Map]. Memorial to Thomas Wood of Sprotbrough.
After 10th August 1875. St Mary's Church, Sprotbrough [Map]. Memorial to Charlotte Anderson-Pelham Lady Copley [deceased], wife of Joseph William Copley 4th Baronet [aged 71].
After 4th January 1883. Memorial to Joseph William Copley 4th Baronet [deceased] at St Mary's Church, Sprotbrough [Map].
After 12th January 1887. St Mary's Church, Sprotbrough [Map]. Memorial to Elizabeth Mary Copley [deceased] placed by her brother-in-law Henry George Grey 3rd Earl Grey [aged 84], husband of her late sister Maria Copley 3rd Countess Grey.
Elizabeth Mary Copley: On 11th April 1800 she was born to Joseph Copley 3rd Baronet and Cecil Hamilton Marchioness Abercorn. On 12th January 1887 Elizabeth Mary Copley died unmarried.
Maria Copley 3rd Countess Grey: In May 1799 she was born to Joseph Copley 3rd Baronet and Cecil Hamilton Marchioness Abercorn. On 9th August 1832 Henry George Grey 3rd Earl Grey and she were married. She the daughter of Joseph Copley 3rd Baronet and Cecil Hamilton Marchioness Abercorn. He the son of Charles Grey 2nd Earl Grey and Mary Elizabeth Ponsonby Countess Grey. On 17th July 1845 Charles Grey 2nd Earl Grey died. His son Henry succeeded 3rd Earl Grey, 3rd Viscount Grey of Howick in Northumberland, 3rd Baron Grey of Howick in Northumberland, 4th Baronet Grey of Howick in Northumberland. She by marriage Countess Grey. After 14th September 1879 Maria Copley 3rd Countess Grey died.
After 12th September 1891. St Mary's Church, Sprotbrough [Map]. Memorial to Richard Heber Wrightson [deceased] commissioned by his wife Albinia Thomas
Richard Heber Wrightson: In 1800 he was born to William Wrightson and Henrietta Heber. On 13th August 1832 he and Elizabeth Augusta de Grey were married at Merton, Norfolk. After 1875 he and Albinia Thomas were married at St Mary's Church, Bryanston Square, Marylebone. On 12th September 1891 he died. He was buried at St Peter's Church, Warmsworth.
Albinia Thomas: she was born to Inigo Thomas of Ratton in Sussex and Frances Anne m Thomas. In 1895 she died.
1915. St Mary's Church, Sprotbrough [Map]. Chapel of St Thomas re-made in memory of Charles Watson-Copley 3rd Baronet and Georgiana Tredcroft Lady Watson-Copley by Selina Frances Watson-Copley [aged 58]. 
Watson Arms. NO IMAGE.
Charles Watson-Copley 3rd Baronet: On 6th April 1828 he was born to Charles Wager Watson 2nd Baronet and Jemima Colleton Lady Watson. On 30th December 1852 Charles Wager Watson 2nd Baronet died. His son Charles succeeded 3rd Baronet Watson of Fulmer in Buckinghamshire. On 12th May 1854 Charles Watson-Copley 3rd Baronet and Georgiana Tredcroft Lady Watson-Copley were married at Genoa. She by marriage Lady Watson of Fulmer in Buckinghamshire. On 6th April 1888 Charles Watson-Copley 3rd Baronet died. His brother Wager succeeded 4th Baronet Watson of Fulmer in Buckinghamshire.
Georgiana Tredcroft Lady Watson-Copley: Around 1827 she was born. On 27th January 1892 she died.
After 1945. War Memorials at St Mary's Church, Sprotbrough [Map].
After 1960. St Mary's Church, Sprotbrough [Map]. Memorial to Edward Windle 1892-1960, Churchwarden.
After 2015. List of the Rectors of St Mary's Church, Sprotbrough [Map].
