Abbot John Whethamstede’s Chronicle of the Abbey of St Albans
Abbot John Whethamstede's Register aka Chronicle of his second term at the Abbey of St Albans, 1451-1461, is a remarkable text that describes his first-hand experience of the beginning of the Wars of the Roses including the First and Second Battles of St Albans, 1455 and 1461, respectively, their cause, and their consequences, not least on the Abbey itself. His text also includes Loveday, Blore Heath, Northampton, the Act of Accord, Wakefield, and Towton, and ends with the Coronation of King Edward IV. In addition to the events of the Wars of the Roses, Abbot John, or his scribes who wrote the Chronicle, include details in the life of the Abbey such as charters, letters, land exchanges, visits by legates, and disputes, which provide a rich insight into the day-to-day life of the Abbey, and the challenges faced by its Abbot.
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MP Boroughbridge is in Member Parliament. See Boroughbridge [Map].
In 1558 William Fairfax (age 27) was elected MP Boroughbridge.
In 1588 Edward Fitton (age 40) was elected MP Boroughbridge.
In 1601 Thomas Fairfax 1st Viscount Fairfax (age 27) was elected MP Boroughbridge.
In 1602 Richard Whalley of Kirton (age 36) was elected MP Boroughbridge.
In 1609 Thomas Vavasour (age 49) was elected MP Boroughbridge.
In 1648 Henry Stapylton aka Stapleton 1st Baronet (age 31) was elected MP Boroughbridge.
In 1660 Henry Stapylton aka Stapleton 1st Baronet (age 43) was elected MP Boroughbridge.
In 1679 John Brookes 1st Baronet (age 42) was elected MP Boroughbridge.
In 1681 John Brookes 1st Baronet (age 44) was elected MP Boroughbridge.
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 1689 Christopher Vane 1st Baron Barnard (age 35) was appointed MP Boroughbridge.
In 1690 Bryan Stapylton 2nd Baronet (age 32) was elected MP Boroughbridge.
In 1705 John Stapylton 3rd Baronet (age 22) was elected MP Boroughbridge, which his father Bryan Stapylton 2nd Baronet (age 47) had represented for twelve of the previous fifteen years.
In 1708 Bryan Stapylton 2nd Baronet (age 50) was elected MP Boroughbridge replacing his son John Stapylton 3rd Baronet (age 25).
In 1715 Bryan Stapylton 2nd Baronet (age 57) was elected MP Boroughbridge.
In 1718 Wilfrid Lawson 3rd Baronet (age 21) was elected MP Boroughbridge.
On 22nd April 1746 Francis Scott (age 25) was elected MP Boroughbridge.
In 1755 Cecil Bishopp 6th Baronet (age 54) was elected MP Boroughbridge which seat he held until 1768.
In 1796 Francis Burdett 5th Baronet (age 25) was elected MP Boroughbridge.