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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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Society of Antiquaries of London is in Societies.
See: Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London, President of the Society of Antiquaries of London, Secretary of the Society of Antiquaries of London, Society of Antiquaries of London Publications.
In 1726 George Lynn (age 19) joined the Society of Antiquaries of London.
In 1815 Charles Alfred Stothard (age 28) was appointed historical draughtsman to the Society of Antiquaries of London, who sent him to Bayeux to make coloured drawings of the tapestry for publication in the series Vetusta Monumenta.
Georgian Memoirs. The first number of Mr. Stothard's work was received with the applause it merited, and obtained for him distinguished reputation, both as an artist and an antiquary. His time was now occupied in making various excursions in search of monumental antiquities; and, during the summer of 1815, he proceeded as far northward as the Picts' Wall, in order to make drawings for Lyson's Magna Britannia. In the same year, he was appointed historical draughtsman to the Society of Antiquaries; and, in 1816, he was deputed by that body to commence his elaborate and faithful drawings from the celebrated tapestry preserved at Bayeux, in France. He left England, for that purpose, in September; and, after having visited Paris, proceeded, upon a tour of investigation, to Chinon, and discovered, in the adjacent abbey of Fontevraud [Map], those interesting effigies of the Plantagenet race, the existence of which, after the Revolution, had become matter of doubt. He found the abbey converted into a prison; and, in a cellar belonging to it, were deposited the effigies of Henry the Second, his queen, Eleanor of Guienne, Richard the First, and Isabella of Angouleme, the queen of John. The chapel, in which these figures were placed, previously to the Revolution, had been destroyed; and, since their removal to the cellar, they were exposed to continual injury from the prisoners, who came there, twice a day, to draw water at the well. From these effigies Mr. Stothard made several accurate and beautiful drawings; and succeeded, after much labour and difficulty, in discovering the painting upon their surface. Whilst upon a visit to the abbey of L'Espan, near Mons, which he found converted into a barn, he discovered, under a quantity of wheat, the effigy of Berengaria, queen of Richard the First. At Mons, he also discovered the beautiful enamelled tablet of Geoffrey Plantagenet, which he considered the earliest specimen of what is termed a sepulchral brass, and of armorial bearings, depicted decidedly as such.
In 1842 Albert Way (age 36) was appointed Director of the Society of Antiquaries of London which position he held until 1846.
In 1858 John Peter Boileau 1st Baronet (age 63) was elected Vice-President of the Society of Antiquaries of London on the recommendation of Philip Stanhope 5th Earl Stanhope (age 52) which office he held until 1863 (with one break).
In 1718 Peter Le Neve (age 56) was elected President of the Society of Antiquaries of London.
In 1750 Charles Lennox 2nd Duke Richmond (age 48) became President of the Society of Antiquaries of London.
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.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
In 1754 Hugh Willoughby 15th Baron Willoughby of Parham was elected President of the Society of Antiquaries of London.
In 1765 Bishop Charles Lyttelton (age 51) was appointed President of the Society of Antiquaries of London.
In 1846 Philip Stanhope 5th Earl Stanhope (age 40) was appointed President of the Society of Antiquaries of London.
In 1897 Harold Arthur Lee Dillon 17th Viscount Dillon (age 52) was appointed President of the Society of Antiquaries of London which office he held until 1904.
In 1718 William Stukeley (age 30) was elected Secretary of the Society of Antiquaries of London.
In 1814 Henry Ellis (age 36) was appointed Secretary of the Society of Antiquaries of London. During his forty year tenure he only missed two meetings.