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.
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Hic jacet is in Latin Dictionary.
Hic jacet. Here lies, here is buried.
On 7th September 1384 John Harsick III died. Brass in Church of St George, South Acre [Map] of John Harsick III and his wife Catherine Calthorpe holding hands. Great Helm with Feathers. Camail and Jupon Period. His coat of arms Harsick. Her showing 
Harsick Arms impaled with Calthorp Arms. At his feet a lion couchant, at hers a dog couchant. Inscription: Hic iacet Dns. Johes. Harsick Miles eiusoem Nominis tertius, qui obiit Serto die Septembris Ano Dni. Mccclxxxiv. cuius anime propicictur Deus Amen, et Domina Katherina Uxor.
See Engravings of Sepulchral Brasses Volume 1 Norfolk.
Catherine Calthorpe: she was born to Bartholemew Calthorpe. In or before 1384 John Harsick III and she were married. In 1384 John Harsick III made his will on the Wednesday after the decollation of St. John Baptist. He bequeaths several legacies to the Lady Catharine his wife, his eldest son John, and to his son Eudo Harsick, the manor of Stanhow in Norfolk for life, remainder to his son Brian.
On 25th March 1440 Geoffrey Boleyn (age 60) died. Around 1414 Alice Bracton died. Memorial brass in the floor of the nave of Church of St Peter and St Paul, Salle [Map]. It originally also had tiny figures representing their 5 sons and 4 daughters, but the inlay is lost. Inscription: "Hic jacet Galfrid. Boleyn qui obt. 25 die mensis Martij 1440, et Alicie, uxor. ejus, et pueror. suorum, quorum a'i'ab; &c. Label: Dominus propitius esto nobis peccatorib". ie "Here lies Geoffrey Boleyn who died the 25th day of the month of March A.D. 1440, and Alice, his wife, and children, on whose souls may God have mercy Amen"
Geoffrey Boleyn: Around 1380 he was born to Thomas Boleyn and Anne Jane Bracton. Before 1406 Geoffrey Boleyn and Alice Bracton were married. They were first cousins. In 1408 Geoffrey Boleyn provided timber for the building of Church of St Peter and St Paul, Salle [Map]. The church was paid for by four Lords of the manor, Geoffrey Boleyn, Thomas Brigge, Thomas Roos and an unknown person, with newly acquired wealth from the wool trade.
Alice Bracton: Around 1385 she was born to John Bracton at Salle, Norfolk.
On 11th July 1673 Penelope Barkham (age 8) died. She was buried at Church of St George, South Acre [Map]. Inscription: Hic jacet Penelope, filia Domini Edwardi Barkham Baronetti (age 45), et Franciscæ (age 40) uxor is sue, qui quidem Penelope, Ætate Puellula, sed Prudentiâ, Pietate, Virtute Matrona omnibus satis, Parentibus nimis, et Deo maxime chara, terras reliquit, ad Nuptias Agni vocata Julij 11, 1673, Annoq; Ætatis suæ, Octavo.
Penelope Barkham: In 1665 she was born to Edward Barkham 2nd Baronet and Frances Napier Lady Barkham.
Edward Barkham 2nd Baronet: In 1628 he was born to Edward Barkham 1st Baronet and Francis Berney. On 28th June 1660 Edward Barkham 2nd Baronet and Frances Napier Lady Barkham were married. She by marriage Edward Barkham 2nd Baronet. On 2nd August 1667 Edward Barkham 1st Baronet died. He was buried at Church of St George, South Acre [Map]. His son Edward succeeded 2nd Baronet Barkham of South Acre in Norfolk. Frances Napier Lady Barkham by marriage Lady Barkham of South Acre in Norfolk. In 1688 Edward Barkham 2nd Baronet died. His brother William succeeded 3rd Baronet Barkham of South Acre in Norfolk.