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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Biography of Christopher Wandesford 1st Viscount Castlecomer 1656-1707

On 30th September 1651 [his father] Christopher Wandesford 1st Baronet (age 23) and [his mother] Eleanor Lowther Lady Wandesford (age 21) were married.

On 19th August 1656 Christopher Wandesford 1st Viscount Castlecomer was born to [his father] Christopher Wandesford 1st Baronet (age 28) and [his mother] Eleanor Lowther Lady Wandesford (age 26).

On 5th August 1662 [his father] Christopher Wandesford 1st Baronet (age 34) was created 1st Baronet Wandesford of Kirklington. [his mother] Eleanor Lowther Lady Wandesford (age 32) by marriage Lady Wandesford of Kirklington.

In 1679 Christopher Wandesford 1st Viscount Castlecomer (age 22) was elected MP Ripon which seat he held until 1681.

Before 2nd March 1684 Christopher Wandesford 1st Viscount Castlecomer (age 27) and Elizabeth Montagu were married. They were third cousin once removed.

On 2nd March 1684 [his son] Christopher Wandesford 2nd Viscount Castlecomer was born to Christopher Wandesford 1st Viscount Castlecomer (age 27) and [his wife] Elizabeth Montagu. He married 31st May 1715 his fifth cousin Frances Pelham Viscountess Castlecomer, daughter of Thomas Pelham 1st Baron Pelham of Laughton and Grace Holles, and had issue.

In 1687 [his son] George Wandesford 4th Viscount Castlecomer was born to Christopher Wandesford 1st Viscount Castlecomer (age 30) and [his wife] Elizabeth Montagu.

In 1687 [his father] Christopher Wandesford 1st Baronet (age 59) died. His son Christopher (age 30) succeeded 2nd Baronet Wandesford of Kirklington.

In 1689 Christopher Wandesford 1st Viscount Castlecomer (age 32) was appointed High Sheriff of Yorkshire.

In 1690 Christopher Wandesford 1st Viscount Castlecomer (age 33) was appointed High Sheriff of Yorkshire.

The History of William Marshal, Earl of Chepstow and Pembroke, Regent of England. Book 1 of 2, Lines 1-10152.

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 15th March 1707 [his father] Christopher Wandesford 1st Baronet was created 1st Viscount Castlecomer, 1st Baron Wandesford.

On 15th September 1707 Christopher Wandesford 1st Viscount Castlecomer (age 51) died. His son Christopher (age 23) succeeded 2nd Viscount Castlecomer, 2nd Baron Wandesford, 3rd Baronet Wandesford of Kirklington.