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.
St Michael's Church, Penkridge
Church of St Nicholas, Alcester
Church of St Mary and St Hardulph, Breedon on the Hill
Staunton Harold, Leicestershire
St Mary the Virgin Church, Chipping Norton
St Oswald's Church, Ashbourne
St Marcella's Church, Denbigh
St Peter's Church, Shelford
Church of All Hallows, Great Mitton
All Saints Church, Sudbury
Richard and Gabriel Royley of Burton-upon-Trent is in Carvers.
Around 1558. St Michael's Church, Penkridge [Map]. Monument to Edward Littleton [aged 53] and his two wives Helen Swynnerton and Isabel Wood. His first wife Helen Swynnerton on his right with the simpler English gabled hood, his second wife on his wife with the later, more complex, French Hood. Armorials of Littleton, Wood and Swynnerton families. Sculpted by Richard and Gabriel Royley of Burton-upon-Trent.
Helen Swynnerton: she was born to Humphrey Swynnerton of Swynnerton. Before 1523 Edward Littleton and she were married.
Isabel Wood: Before April 1533 Edward Littleton and she were married.
After 10th November 1559. Church of St Nicholas, Alcester [Map]. Monument to Fulk Greville Baron Latimer, Baron Willoughby [deceased] and Elizabeth Willoughby 11th Baroness Latimer 3rd Baroness Willoughby of Broke [aged 47]. Somewhat curious armour; possibly imagined by the carver. Rose Pendant. Chunky Lions Mane. Chest with Weepers. Helm with Folds. Dress Folds at Feet. Possibly Richard and Gabriel Royley of Burton-upon-Trent.
Fulk Greville Baron Latimer, Baron Willoughby: Around 1503 he was born to Edward Greville at Milcote, Warwickshire. Before 1536 Fulk Greville Baron Latimer, Baron Willoughby and Elizabeth Willoughby 11th Baroness Latimer 3rd Baroness Willoughby of Broke were married. He by marriage Baron Latimer of Corby, Baron Willoughby Broke. On 10th November 1559 Fulk Greville Baron Latimer, Baron Willoughby died at Alcester, Warwickshire [Map].
After 12th September 1570. Monument to John Shirley [deceased] at Church of St Mary and St Hardulph, Breedon on the Hill [Map]. Elizabethan Period. Helm with Folds. Richard and Gabriel Royley of Burton-upon-Trent.
John Shirley: In 1533 he was born to Francis Shirley and Dorothy Giffard at Staunton Harold, Leicestershire [Map]. On 12th September 1570 John Shirley died at Staunton Harold, Leicestershire [Map]. He was buried at Church of St Mary and St Hardulph, Breedon on the Hill [Map].
On 27th July 1571 Francis Shirley [aged 56] died at Staunton Harold, Leicestershire [Map]. He was buried in the Church of St Mary and St Hardulph, Breedon on the Hill [Map]. Elizabethan Period. Chest with Weepers holding Shields. Helm with Folds. Richard and Gabriel Royley of Burton-upon-Trent.
Francis Shirley: Francis Shirley and Dorothy Giffard were married. The difference in their ages was 24 years; she, unusually, being older than him. Around 26th January 1515 he was born to Ralph Shirley at Staunton Harold, Leicestershire [Map].
On 21st December 1579 Thomas Richards died. In 1603 Elizabeth Fiennes [aged 56] died.
Monument in St Mary the Virgin Church, Chipping Norton [Map]. Finely made in alabaster. Elizabethan Period. Renaissance chest with stripped-down strapwork. Rush Mat. Dress Folds at Feet. Ruff. Possibly Richard and Gabriel Royley of Burton-upon-Trent.
Thomas Richards: Before 21st December 1579 he and Elizabeth Fiennes were married.
Elizabeth Fiennes: Around 1523 she was born to Edward Fiennes 5th Baron Saye and Sele and Margaret Danvers Baroness Saye and Sele.
On 17th April 1581 Humphrey Bradbourne [aged 57] died. Monument in St Oswald's Church, Ashbourne [Map]. Around the sides of the tomb their six sons and four daughters. The tomb sculpted by Richard and Gabriel Royley of Burton-upon-Trent. Chest with Weepers holding Shields. Dress Folds at Feet. Ruffs.
Humphrey Bradbourne: Around 1524 he was born to John Bradbourne and Isabel Cotton. Date adjusted from 1537 to be consistent with father's death.
St Marcella's Church, Denbigh [Map]. Monument to John Salusbury and Jane Myddelton [aged 88] erected by his wife in 1588. Dress Folds at Feet. Richard and Gabriel Royley of Burton-upon-Trent. Bongrace.
John Salusbury: In 1519 he was born to Roger Salusbury. In 1563 Humphrey Llwyd aka Lluyd lived at Denbigh Castle by permission of Sir John Salusbury [Note. Some sources say Richard Myddelton] who was then the Lord of the Manor of Denbigh. Before 1578 John Salusbury and Jane Myddelton were married. In 1578 John Salusbury died. He was buried at St Marcella's Church, Denbigh [Map].
Jane Myddelton: In 1500 she was born to David Myddelton. In 1588 Jane Myddelton died.
After 1588. St Peter's Church, Shelford [Map]. Alabaster Monument to Anne Rawson [aged 73]. Carved by Richard and Gabriel Royley of Burton-upon-Trent.
The quartered 
Stanhope Arms impaled with Rawson Arms: Gules, a four square castle in perspective with as many towers and cupolas one at each angle or standing in water azure.
Dress folds typical of Richard and Gabriel Royley of Burton-upon-Trent.
On 26th July 1594 Richard Shireburn [aged 72] died. He was buried in Church of All Hallows, Great Mitton [Map]. Monument sculpted by Richard and Gabriel Royley of Burton-upon-Trent. Bongrace. Unicorn Pendant. Ruff. Dogs chewing at her dress. Dress Folds at Feet. Chunky Lions Mane. Chest with Weepers holding Shields. Dogs chewing at her dress with Studded Collar.
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 format.
Around 1600. St Michael's Church, Penkridge [Map]. Monument to Edward Littleton of Pillaton Hall and Alice Cockayne [aged 65]. Sculpted by Richard and Gabriel Royley of Burton-upon-Trent.
Edward Littleton of Pillaton Hall: Around 1523 he was born to Edward Littleton and Helen Swynnerton at Pillaton Hall. In or before 1548 Edward Littleton of Pillaton Hall and Alice Cockayne were married. On 19th July 1574 Edward Littleton of Pillaton Hall died at Pillaton Hall.
Alice Cockayne: In 1535 she was born to Francis Cockayne and Dorothy Marrow. On 3rd November 1602 Alice Cockayne died at Penkridge, Staffordshire [Map]. She was buried at St Michael's Church, Penkridge [Map].
After 1600. All Saints Church, Sudbury [Map]. Monument to John Vernon and Mary Littleton [aged 31] carved by Richard and Gabriel Royley of Burton-upon-Trent.
John Vernon: he was born to Henry Vernon and Margaret Swynnerton. In 1599 John Vernon and Mary Littleton were married. They were fourth cousin once removed. On 8th July 1600 John Vernon died. He was buried at All Saints Church, Sudbury [Map].
Mary Littleton: In 1569 she was born to Edward Littleton of Pillaton Hall and Alice Cockayne at Pillaton Hall. In 1582 Walter Vernon and she were married. The difference in their ages was 29 years. They were fourth cousin once removed. He a great x 5 grandson of King Henry IV of England. On 17th December 1622 Mary Littleton died.
Detail of the folds at the bottom of her dress typical of the work of Richard and Gabriel Royley of Burton-upon-Trent.
Detail of his armour.
Detail of the corners of the monument. Richard and Gabriel Royley of Burton-upon-Trent usually have 'Candleabras', or candlesticks. These appear simpler.
Detail of the end of the monument of the 
Vernon Arms and Unknown Arms?
Detail of the supports.
