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.'
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On 29th August 1189 King John of England [aged 22] and [his future wife] Isabella Fitzrobert 3rd Countess Gloucester and Essex [aged 16] were married at Marlborough Castle [Map]. He by marriage Earl Gloucester. See Gesta Regis Henrici and Gesta Regis Henrici by Benedict of Peterborough. She the daughter of William Fitzrobert 2nd Earl Gloucester and Hawise Beaumont Countess Gloucester. He the son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England and Eleanor of Aquitaine Queen Consort Franks and England [aged 67]. They were half second cousins. She a great granddaughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England.
In or before 1191 [his father] Geoffrey Fitzpeter 1st Earl Essex [aged 28] and [his mother] Beatrice Saye were married.
Around 1191 Geoffrey Mandeville 2nd Earl Essex was born to [his father] Geoffrey Fitzpeter 1st Earl Essex [aged 29] and [his mother] Beatrice Saye.
In 1199 [his father] Geoffrey Fitzpeter 1st Earl Essex [aged 37] was created 1st Earl Essex.
Around April 1200 King John of England [aged 33] and [his future wife] Isabella Fitzrobert 3rd Countess Gloucester and Essex [aged 27] marriage annulled due to consanuinity but more likely because John's new status as heir to the English throne mean't he had better prospects. He may have already decided to marry Isabella of Angoulême Queen Consort England [aged 12] who he married on 24th August 1200.
Before 1204 [his brother-in-law] Henry Bohun 1st Earl Hereford [aged 27] and [his sister] Maud Mandeville Countess Hereford [aged 26] were married. She by marriage Countess Hereford. She the daughter of [his father] Geoffrey Fitzpeter 1st Earl Essex [aged 41] and [his mother] Beatrice Saye. He the son of Humphrey Bohun and Margaret Dunkeld Duchess Brittany.
In or before 1205 [his father] Geoffrey Fitzpeter 1st Earl Essex [aged 42] and Aveline Clare Countess Essex were married. She by marriage Countess Essex. She the daughter of Roger Clare 2nd Earl Hertford and Maud St Hilary Countess Hertford.
In 1213 [his father] Geoffrey Fitzpeter 1st Earl Essex [aged 51] died. His son Geoffrey [aged 22] succeeded 2nd Earl Essex. [his future wife] Matilda Clare Countess Essex by marriage Countess Essex.
Before 1214 Geoffrey Mandeville 2nd Earl Essex [aged 22] and Matilda Clare Countess Essex were married. He the son of Geoffrey Fitzpeter 1st Earl Essex and Beatrice Saye.
On 20th January 1214 Geoffrey Mandeville 2nd Earl Essex [aged 23] and Isabella Fitzrobert 3rd Countess Gloucester and Essex [aged 41] were married. She by marriage Countess Essex, Countess Gloucester. She the daughter of William Fitzrobert 2nd Earl Gloucester and Hawise Beaumont Countess Gloucester. He the son of Geoffrey Fitzpeter 1st Earl Essex and Beatrice Saye.
On 15th June 1215 King John of England [aged 48] met with his Baron's at Runnymede [Map] where he agreed to the terms of the Magna Carta which attempted to reduce the King's authority through political reform. Those who signed as surety included:
Roger Bigod 2nd Earl Norfolk [aged 71]
his son Hugh Bigod 3rd Earl Norfolk [aged 33]
[his brother-in-law] Henry Bohun 1st Earl Hereford [aged 39]
Richard Clare 3rd Earl Hertford [aged 62]
his son Gilbert Clare 5th Earl Gloucester 4th Earl Hertford [aged 35]
William "The Younger" Marshal 2nd Earl Pembroke [aged 25]
William Mowbray 6th Baron Thirsk [aged 42]
Saer Quincy 1st Earl Winchester [aged 45]
Robert Ros [aged 43], Richard Percy 5th Baron Percy Topcliffe [aged 45]
Robert de Vere 3rd Earl of Oxford [aged 50]
Eustace Vesci [aged 46]
John Fitzrobert 3rd Baron Warkworth [aged 25]
John Lacy Earl Lincoln [aged 23].
William de Albini [aged 64], Geoffrey Mandeville 2nd Earl Essex [aged 24]
William Forz 3rd Earl Albemarle
William Hardell
William Huntingfield
William Llanvallei
William Malet 1st Baron Curry Mallet
Roger Montbegon, Richard Montfichet
Geoffrey Saye [aged 60] signed as surety the Magna Carta.
Ranulf de Blondeville Gernon 6th Earl Chester 1st Earl Lincoln [aged 45] witnessed.
On 23rd February 1216 Geoffrey Mandeville 2nd Earl Essex [aged 25] was killed in a tournament. His brother William succeeded 3rd Earl Essex.
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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In September 1217 Hubert de Burgh Count Mortain 1st Earl Kent [aged 47] and [his former wife] Isabella Fitzrobert 3rd Countess Gloucester and Essex [aged 44] were married. She the daughter of William Fitzrobert 2nd Earl Gloucester and Hawise Beaumont Countess Gloucester.
On 14th October 1217 [his former wife] Isabella Fitzrobert 3rd Countess Gloucester and Essex [aged 44] died.
Father: Geoffrey Fitzpeter 1st Earl Essex
Geoffrey Mandeville 2nd Earl Essex 
Great x 1 Grandfather: William Saye 
GrandFather: William Saye
Great x 3 Grandfather: Geoffrey Mandeville
Great x 2 Grandfather: William Mandeville
Great x 3 Grandmother: Adeliza Unknown
Great x 1 Grandmother: Beatrice Mandeville
Great x 3 Grandfather: Eudo Dapifer
Great x 2 Grandmother: Margaret Dapifer
Mother: Beatrice Saye