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Chronicle of Geoffrey le Baker of Swinbroke
Baker was a secular clerk from Swinbroke, now Swinbrook, an Oxfordshire village two miles east of Burford. His Chronicle describes the events of the period 1303-1356: Gaveston, Bannockburn, Boroughbridge, the murder of King Edward II, the Scottish Wars, Sluys, Crécy, the Black Death, Winchelsea and Poitiers. To quote Herbert Bruce 'it possesses a vigorous and characteristic style, and its value for particular events between 1303 and 1356 has been recognised by its editor and by subsequent writers'. The book provides remarkable detail about the events it describes. Baker's text has been augmented with hundreds of notes, including extracts from other contemporary chronicles, such as the Annales Londonienses, Annales Paulini, Murimuth, Lanercost, Avesbury, Guisborough and Froissart to enrich the reader's understanding. The translation takes as its source the 'Chronicon Galfridi le Baker de Swynebroke' published in 1889, edited by Edward Maunde Thompson.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
Cornelius Janssens aka Johnson is in Painters.
Before 14th October 1593 Cornelius Janssens aka Johnson was born. On 14th October 1593 Cornelius Janssens aka Johnson was baptised at Austin Friars.
Before 28th January 1611 Cornelius Janssens aka Johnson (age 17). Portrait of John Talbot (age 66).
John Talbot: John Talbot and Katherine Petre were married. In 1545 he was born to John Talbot and Frances Giffard. On 28th January 1611 John Talbot died.
In 1619 Cornelius Janssens aka Johnson (age 25). Portrait of George Villiers 1st Duke of Buckingham (age 26).
Around 1620 Cornelius Janssens aka Johnson (age 26). Portrait of Martha Temple Lady Penyston (age 25).
In 1620 Cornelius Janssens aka Johnson (age 26). Portrait of Alexander Temple (age 48).
Alexander Temple: Around 1572 he was born to John Temple. In December 1629 Alexander Temple died.
In 1620 Cornelius Janssens aka Johnson (age 26). Portrait of Susanna Temple (age 20).
Susanna Temple: Around 1600 she was born to Alexander Temple. In 1627 Gifford Thornhurst 1st Baronet and she were married. In 1633 Martin Lister and she were married.
In 1620 Cornelius Janssens aka Johnson (age 26). Portrait of Jemima Waldegrave Baroness Crew (age 18).
In 1623 Adriaen Hanneman (age 20) travelled to England where he lived for sixteen years where he met and was influenced by Anthony Van Dyck (age 23), Daniel Mijtens (age 33) and Cornelius Janssens aka Johnson (age 29).
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.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
Around 1625. Cornelius Janssens aka Johnson (age 31). Portrait of Thomas Lucy of Charlecote Park (age 30), his wife Alice Spencer (age 25) and his family.
Thomas Lucy of Charlecote Park: In 1595 he was born to Thomas Lucy of Charlecote. In or before 1622 Thomas Lucy of Charlecote Park and Alice Spencer were married. In December 1640 Thomas Lucy of Charlecote Park died.
Alice Spencer: In 1600 she was born to Thomas Spencer of Everdon and Mary Cheke. Around 1600 Thomas Spencer of Everdon died. A number of sources report the date of his death as 8th November 1580 however his daughter she was born in 1600 so we have adopted this later date?
Around 1625 Cornelius Janssens aka Johnson (age 31) had a studio in Blackfriars. As did Anthony Van Dyck (age 25). Blackfriars was within the boundaries of the City of London, but was a liberty and so avoided the monopoly in the City of members of the London painters' Guild.
Around 1625 Cornelius Janssens aka Johnson (age 31). Portrait of Francis Fane 1st Earl of Westmoreland (age 44).
Around 1626 Cornelius Janssens aka Johnson (age 32). Portrait of Thomas Coventry 1st Baron Coventry (age 48) as Lord Keeper of the Great Seal. Charlecote Park.
In 1628 Cornelius Janssens aka Johnson (age 34). Portrait of Sarah Harrington (age 63). Hatchlands East Clandon, Surrey.
Sarah Harrington: In 1565 she was born to James Harrington and Lucy Sidney. Before 24th April 1586 Francis Hastings and she were married. He the son of George Hastings 4th Earl Huntingdon and Dorothy Port Countess Huntingdon. Before 1628 Thomas Edmondes and she were married. In 1629 Sarah Harrington died.
In 1629 Cornelius Janssens aka Johnson (age 35). Portrait of Robert de Vere 19th Earl of Oxford (age 53).
Robert de Vere 19th Earl of Oxford: After 23rd August 1575 he was born to Hugh Vere and Eleanor Walsh. In June 1625 Henry de Vere 18th Earl of Oxford died. His second cousin Robert succeeded 19th Earl of Oxford. In 1626 Robert de Vere 19th Earl of Oxford and Beatrice Van Hemmema Countess of Oxford were married. She by marriage Countess of Oxford. On 7th August 1632 Robert de Vere 19th Earl of Oxford was killed at the Siege of Maastricht. His son Aubrey succeeded 20th Earl of Oxford.
In 1629 Cornelius Janssens aka Johnson (age 35). Portrait of Robert Bruce Cotton 1st Baronet (age 57).
In 1630 Cornelius Janssens aka Johnson (age 36). Portrait of Abigail Sacheverell.
Abigail Sacheverell: Humphrey Pakington and she were married. she was born to Henry Sacheverell.
Around 1630 Cornelius Janssens aka Johnson (age 36). Portrait of Spencer Compton 2nd Earl of Northampton (age 28).
William of Worcester's Chronicle of England
William of Worcester, born around 1415, and died around 1482 was secretary to John Fastolf, the renowned soldier of the Hundred Years War, during which time he collected documents, letters, and wrote a record of events. Following their return to England in 1440 William was witness to major events. Twice in his chronicle he uses the first person: 1. when writing about the murder of Thomas, 7th Baron Scales, in 1460, he writes '… and I saw him lying naked in the cemetery near the porch of the church of St. Mary Overie in Southwark …' and 2. describing King Edward IV's entry into London in 1461 he writes '… proclaimed that all the people themselves were to recognize and acknowledge Edward as king. I was present and heard this, and immediately went down with them into the city'. William’s Chronicle is rich in detail. It is the source of much information about the Wars of the Roses, including the term 'Diabolical Marriage' to describe the marriage of Queen Elizabeth Woodville’s brother John’s marriage to Katherine, Dowager Duchess of Norfolk, he aged twenty, she sixty-five or more, and the story about a paper crown being placed in mockery on the severed head of Richard, 3rd Duke of York.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
Before 1631 Cornelius Janssens aka Johnson (age 37). Portrait of Jane Carey (age 36).
Jane Carey: In 1594 she was born to Edward Carey and Catherine Knyvet Baroness Geneville Beaudasert. On 20th February 1609 Edward Barrett 1st Baron Barrett and she were married. They were half first cousin once removed. In 1631 Jane Carey died.
Before 1631 Cornelius Janssens aka Johnson (age 37). Portrait of William Fanshawe (age 47). Valence House Museum.
William Fanshawe: In 1583 he was born to Thomas Fanshawe and Joan Smythe. On 4th March 1635 William Fanshawe died.
In 1631 Cornelius Janssens aka Johnson (age 37). Portrait of John St John 1st Baronet (age 45). Lydiard House.
In 1631 Cornelius Janssens aka Johnson (age 37). Portrait of William Cavendish 3rd Earl Devonshire (age 13).
In 1631 Cornelius Janssens aka Johnson (age 37). Portrait of Margaret Halliday Lady Hungerford.
In 1633 Cornelius Janssens aka Johnson (age 39). Portrait of Lucius Carey 2nd Viscount Falkland (age 23).
In 1633 Cornelius Janssens aka Johnson (age 39). Portrait of Francis Godolphin (age 27).
In 1635 Cornelius Janssens aka Johnson (age 41). Portrait of Richard Herbert 2nd Baron Herbert Chirbury (age 31). Powis Castle.
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.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
In 1635 Cornelius Janssens aka Johnson (age 41). Portrait of Lucius Carey 2nd Viscount Falkland (age 25).
Around 1638 Cornelius Janssens aka Johnson (age 44). Portrait of Thomas Bruce 1st Earl Elgin (age 39). Kenwood House.
In 1638 Cornelius Janssens aka Johnson (age 44). Portrait of Henry Grey 1st Earl Stamford (age 39). Dunham Massey.
Around 1638 Cornelius Janssens aka Johnson (age 44). Portrait of Diana Cecil Countess Oxford.
Around 1640 Cornelius Janssens aka Johnson (age 46). Portrait of James Stanley 7th Earl of Derby (age 32). Tabley House.
Before 1643 Cornelius Janssens aka Johnson (age 49). Portrait of Lucius Carey 2nd Viscount Falkland (age 32). Montacute House.
Before 1647 Cornelius Janssens aka Johnson (age 53). Portrait of Lettice Moryson Viscountess Falkland. Montacute House.
Lettice Moryson Viscountess Falkland: she was born to Richard Moryson. In or before 1632 Lucius Carey 2nd Viscount Falkland and she were married. She by marriage Viscountess Falkland.
Around 1650 Cornelius Janssens aka Johnson (age 56). Portrait of Hester Wase. Montacute House.
Hester Wase: she was born to Christopher Wase. William Mainwaring and she were married. After 1645 Henry Blount and she were married.
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.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
1650 Cornelius Janssens aka Johnson (age 56). Portrait of Hester Skeffington (age 60).
Hester Skeffington: In 1590 she was born to William Skeffington 1st Baronet and Elizabeth Dering. On 14th November 1609 William Bowyer and she were married. In 1657 Hester Skeffington died.
Before 5th August 1661 Cornelius Janssens aka Johnson (age 67). Portrait of Thomas Coventry 1st Baron Coventry.
Before 5th August 1661 Cornelius Janssens aka Johnson (age 67). Portrait of Thomas Hales 3rd Baronet and John Maitland 1st Duke Lauderdale (age 45). Ham House, Richmond, Surrey.
Thomas Hales 3rd Baronet: Around 1695 he was born to Thomas Hales 2nd Baronet. On 7th January 1748 Thomas Hales 2nd Baronet died. His son Thomas succeeded 3rd Baronet Hales of Beakesbourne in Kent. On 6th October 1762 Thomas Hales 3rd Baronet died. His son Thomas succeeded 4th Baronet Hales of Beakesbourne in Kent.
Before 5th August 1661 Cornelius Janssens aka Johnson (age 67). Portrait of Oliver St John 1st Viscount Grandison. Lydiard House.
Before 5th August 1661 Cornelius Janssens aka Johnson (age 67). Portrait of Bridget Cromwell (age 37).
Bridget Cromwell: In 1624 she was born to Oliver Cromwell and Elizabeth Bourchier. On 15th June 1646 Henry Ireton and she were married. She the daughter of Oliver Cromwell and Elizabeth Bourchier. In 1652 Major General Charles Fleetwood and she were married. She the daughter of Oliver Cromwell and Elizabeth Bourchier. In 1662 Bridget Cromwell died.
Before 5th August 1661 Cornelius Janssens aka Johnson (age 67). Portrait of Thomas Cotton 2nd Baronet (age 67).
Before 5th August 1661 Cornelius Janssens aka Johnson (age 67) died.
Before 5th August 1661 Cornelius Janssens aka Johnson (age 67). Portrait of Anne Harrison Lady Fanshawe (age 36). Valence House Museum.
Henrici Quinti, Angliæ Regis, Gesta, is a first-hand account of the Agincourt Campaign, and subsequent events to his death in 1422. The author of the first part was a Chaplain in King Henry's retinue who was present from King Henry's departure at Southampton in 1415, at the siege of Harfleur, the battle of Agincourt, and the celebrations on King Henry's return to London. The second part, by another writer, relates the events that took place including the negotiations at Troye, Henry's marriage and his death in 1422.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 27th June 1666. Up, and to my office awhile, and then down the river a little way to see vessels ready for the carrying down of 400 land soldiers to the fleete. Then back to the office for my papers, and so to St. James's, where we did our usual attendance on the Duke (age 32). Having done with him, we all of us down to Sir W. Coventry's (age 38) chamber (where I saw his father my Lord Coventry's picture hung up, done by Stone, who then brought it home. It is a good picture, drawn in his judge's robes, and the great seale by him. And while it was hanging up, "This", says Sir W. Coventry, merrily, "is the use we make of our fathers",) to discourse about the proposition of serving us with hempe, delivered in by my Lord Brouncker (age 46) as from an unknown person, though I know it to be Captain Cocke's (age 49). My Lord and Sir William Coventry had some earnest words about it, the one promoting it for his private ends, being, as Cocke tells me himself, to have £500 if the bargain goes on, and I am to have as much, and the other opposing it for the unseasonableness of it, not knowing at all whose the proposition is, which seems the more ingenious of the two. I sat by and said nothing, being no great friend to the proposition, though Cocke intends me a convenience by it. But what I observed most from the discourse was this of Sir W. Coventry, that he do look upon ourselves in a desperate condition. The issue of all standing upon this one point, that by the next fight, if we beat, the Dutch will certainly be content to take eggs for their money (that was his expression); or if we be beaten, we must be contented to make peace, and glad if we can have it without paying too dear for it. And withall we do rely wholly upon the Parliament's giving us more money the next sitting, or else we are undone.
Vesta Monumenta. 1744. Plates 1.66 to 1.68. Robert Cotton with Genesis Fragments. Reproduction of a portrait from around 1626 of Robert Cotton and fragments of the Cotton Genesis manuscript by Cornelius Janssens aka Johnson. Plates 1.67-1.68 depict twenty-one fragments from eighteen folio pages of the Cotton Genesis collated with transcriptions from the Codex Vaticanus. Engravings by George Vertue (age 60) after the original portrait and his own watercolors of the Cotton Genesis fragments.
