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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Viscount Cholmondeley of Kells in County Meath

Viscount Cholmondeley of Kells in County Meath is in Viscount Ireland.

In 1628 Robert Cholmondeley 1st Earl Leinster [aged 43] was created 1st Viscount Cholmondeley of Kells in County Meath. Catherine Stanhope Countess Leinster by marriage Viscountess Cholmondeley of Kells in County Meath.

On 8th October 1659 Robert Cholmondeley 1st Earl Leinster [aged 75] died. He was buried at the Chancel of St Oswald's Church, Malpas [Map]. Earl Leinster, Baron Cholmondley Wich Malbank in Cheshire, Viscount Cholmondeley of Kells in County Meath and Baronet Cholmondley of Cholmondeley extinct.

1661 Charles II Continues to Reward those who Supported His Restoration

In early 1661 King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland [aged 30] rewarded of further tranche of those who supported his Restoration...

On 2nd January 1661 Henry Bedingfield 1st Baronet [aged 46] was created 1st Baronet Bedingfield of Oxburgh in Norfolk.

On 10th January 1661 Andrew Rutherford 1st Earl Teviot was created 1st Baron Rutherford with special remainder to his heirs and assignees whatsoever, and that under what provisions, restrictions, and conditions the said Lord Rutherford should think fit.

On 23rd January 1661 John Cole 1st Baronet [aged 41] was created Baronet Cole of Newland.

On 23rd February 1661 Edward Smythe 1st Baronet [aged 41] was created 1st Baronet Smythe.

On 4th March 1661 Compton Reade 1st Baronet [aged 36] was created 1st Baronet Reade of Barton in Berkshire. Mary Cornwall Lady Reade [aged 31] by marriage Lady Reade of Barton in Berkshire.

On 10th March 1661 Brian Broughton 1st Baronet [aged 42] was created 1st Baronet Broughton of Broughton in Staffordshire.

On 20th March 1661 Thomas Rich 1st Baronet [aged 60] was created 1st Baronet Rich of Sonning in Berkshire.

On 29th March 1661 Robert Cholmondeley 1st Viscount Cholmondeley [aged 21] was created 1st Viscount Cholmondeley of Kells in County Meath.

On 30th March 1661 James Butler 1st Duke Ormonde [aged 50] was created 1st Duke Ormonde by King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland. Elizabeth Preston Duchess Ormonde [aged 45] by marriage Duchess Ormonde.

On 30th March 1661 John Fettiplace 1st Baronet [aged 35] was created 1st Baronet Fettiplace of Childrey in Berkshire. Anne Wenman Lady Fettiplace [aged 31] by marriage Lady Fettiplace of Childrey in Berkshire.

Before 1662 Robert Cholmondeley 1st Viscount Cholmondeley [aged 21] and Elizabeth Cradock Viscountess Cholmondley were married. She by marriage Viscountess Cholmondeley of Kells in County Meath.

On 22nd May 1681 Robert Cholmondeley 1st Viscount Cholmondeley [aged 41] died at St James'. His son Hugh [aged 19] succeeded 2nd Viscount Cholmondeley of Kells in County Meath.

On 18th January 1725 Hugh Cholmondeley 1st Earl Cholmondeley [aged 63] died. His brother George [aged 59] succeeded 2nd Earl Cholmondeley in Cheshire, 2nd Viscount Malpas in Cheshire, 3rd Viscount Cholmondeley of Kells in County Meath, 2nd Baron Cholmondeley Nampwich in Cheshire.

On 8th May 1870 George Cholmondeley 2nd Marquess Cholmondeley [aged 78] died. He was buried at St Oswald's Church, Malpas [Map]. His brother William [aged 70] succeeded 3rd Marquess Cholmondeley, 6th Earl Cholmondeley in Cheshire, 3rd Earl Rocksavage of Cheshire, 7th Viscount Cholmondeley of Kells in County Meath, 6th Viscount Malpas in Cheshire, 6th Baron Cholmondeley Nampwich in Cheshire, 5th Baron Newburgh of Newburgh in Anglesey, 5th Baron Newborough of Newborough in County Wexford. Marcia Emma Georgiana Arbuthnot Marchioness Cholmondeley [aged 66] by marriage Marchioness Cholmondeley.

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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On 16th September 1968 George Cholmondeley 5th Marquess Cholmondeley [aged 85] died. His son Hugh [aged 49] succeeded 6th Marquess Cholmondeley, 9th Earl Cholmondeley in Cheshire, 6th Earl Rocksavage of Cheshire, 10th Viscount Cholmondeley of Kells in County Meath, 9th Viscount Malpas in Cheshire, 9th Baron Cholmondeley Nampwich in Cheshire, 8th Baron Newburgh of Newburgh in Anglesey, 8th Baron Newborough of Newborough in County Wexford. Lavinia Margaret Leslie Marchioness Cholmondeley [aged 47] by marriage Marchioness Cholmondeley.