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All About History Books

The Chronicle of Walter of Guisborough, a canon regular of the Augustinian Guisborough Priory, Yorkshire, formerly known as The Chronicle of Walter of Hemingburgh, describes the period from 1066 to 1346. Before 1274 the Chronicle is based on other works. Thereafter, the Chronicle is original, and a remarkable source for the events of the time. This book provides a translation of the Chronicle from that date. The Latin source for our translation is the 1849 work edited by Hans Claude Hamilton. Hamilton, in his preface, says: "In the present work we behold perhaps one of the finest samples of our early chronicles, both as regards the value of the events recorded, and the correctness with which they are detailed; Nor will the pleasing style of composition be lightly passed over by those capable of seeing reflected from it the tokens of a vigorous and cultivated mind, and a favourable specimen of the learning and taste of the age in which it was framed." Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback.

Biography of Bertrand Geusclin 1320-1380

1364 Battle of Auray

1367 Battle of Nájera

1369 Battle of Montiel

1373 Battle of Chiset

Around 1320 Bertrand Geusclin was born at Motte Broons.

Battle of Auray

On 29th September 1364 Battle of Auray decided the Breton Succession in favour of John Montfort V Duke Brittany (age 25). The Breton and English army was commanded by John Chandos (age 44) and included William Latimer 4th Baron Latimer of Corby (age 34), Miles Stapleton (age 44) and Hugh Calverley (age 40). Charles "Saint" Chatillon Duke Brittany (age 45) was killed. Bertrand Geusclin (age 44) surrendered.

Battle of Nájera

On 3rd April 1367 the forces of Peter "Cruel" I King Castile (age 32) commanded by Edward "Black Prince" (age 36) defeated the army of Henry "Fratricide" II King Castile (age 33) at the Battle of Nájera at Nájera [Map]. The English forces included John of Gaunt 1st Duke Lancaster (age 27), William Scrope, Peter Courtenay (age 21), John Devereux 1st Baron Devereux (age 30), John Savile of Shelley and Golcar (age 42), Bernard Brocas (age 37) and Thomas Banastre (age 33).

The forces of Henry "Fratricide" II King Castile included Bertrand Geusclin (age 47). The battle achieved little since Bertrand Geusclin escaped.

John Ferrers 4th Baron Ferrers of Chartley (age 36) was killed. His son Robert (age 9) succeeded 5th Baron Ferrers of Chartley. Margaret Despencer Baroness Ferrers of Chartley by marriage Baroness Ferrers of Chartley.

Edward "Black Prince" thereafter returned home, taking Peter's daughters Constance (age 13) and Isabella (age 12) as hostages to ensure Peter would pay the money owed to Edward. Constance married John of Gaunt 1st Duke Lancaster, Isabella married Edmund of Langley 1st Duke of York (age 25).

Battle of Montiel

On 14th March 1369 the army of Henry "Fratricide" II King Castile (age 35) defeated that of his half-brother Peter "Cruel" I King Castile (age 34) at the Battle of Montiel. Henry "Fratricide" II King Castile 1334-1379's army was commanded by Bertrand Geusclin (age 49). Peter "Cruel" I King Castile escaped to the castle of Montiel, La Mancha.

Battle of Chiset

On 21st March 1373 John Devereux 1st Baron Devereux (age 36) was captured during the Battle of Chiset at Chizé at which the English were defeated by the French forces commanded by Bertrand Geusclin (age 53). The battle brought an end to English control in Poitou.

In 1380 Bertrand Geusclin (age 60) died at Châteauneuf de Randon.