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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Adrian Vanson is in Painters.
Around 1575. Adrian Vanson. Portrait of George Seton 5th Lord Seton. Wearing the clothes he wore at the wedding of Mary Queen of Scots [aged 32] and the French Dauphin on 24 Apr 1558.
George Seton 5th Lord Seton: he was born to George Seton 4th Lord Seton and Margaret Campbell Lady Seton. Before January 1507 George Seton 5th Lord Seton and Joanna Hepburn Lady Seton were married. She by marriage Lord Seton. She the daughter of Patrick Hepburn 1st Earl Bothwell and Janet Douglas Countess Bothwell. They were third cousin twice removed. She a great x 4 granddaughter of King Edward III of England. On 11th June 1507 George Seton 4th Lord Seton died. His son George succeeded 5th Lord Seton.
On 31st March 1577 Adrian Vanson and Susanna de Colonia were married.
1580. Adrian Vanson. Portrait of King James I of England and Ireland and VI of Scotland [aged 13].
1589. Attributed to Adrian Vanson. Portrait of John Maitland 1st Lord Maitland of Thirlestane [aged 44].
John Maitland 1st Lord Maitland of Thirlestane: Around 1545 he was born to Richard Maitland of Lethington. On or after 16th January 1583, the date of the contract, John Maitland 1st Lord Maitland of Thirlestane and Jean Fleming Countess Cassilis were married. On 3rd October 1595 John Maitland 1st Lord Maitland of Thirlestane died.
1595. Circle of Adrian Vanson. Portrait of Anne of Denmark Queen Consort Scotland England and Ireland [aged 20].
1599. Adrian Vanson. Portrait of Agnes Douglas Countess Argyll [aged 25].
Agnes Douglas Countess Argyll: In 1574 she was born to William Douglas 6th Earl Morton and Agnes Leslie Countess Morton at Lochleven Castle, Kinross. In October 1584 Colin Campbell 6th Earl Argyll died. His son Archibald succeeded 7th Earl Argyll. She by marriage Countess Argyll. On 24th July 1592 Archibald Campbell 7th Earl Argyll and she were married. She the daughter of William Douglas 6th Earl Morton and Agnes Leslie Countess Morton. He the son of Colin Campbell 6th Earl Argyll and Agnes Keith Countess Moray and Mar. They were third cousins. On 3rd May 1607 Agnes Douglas Countess Argyll died.
Around 1602 Adrian Vanson died.