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.
St Mary's Church, Swinstead
St Mary the Virgin Church Buckland St Mary, Devon
St Elidor's Church Stackpole
Saint Michael and All Angels Church, Great Witley
Holy Cross Church, Burley-on-the-Hill
St Albans Cathedral
Peterborough Cathedral
Hereford Cathedral
Church of the Holy Trinity Arrow, Warwickshire
In or before 1828 [his father] Adam Forsyth and [his mother] Agnes m Forsyth were married.
In 1828 James Forsyth was born to [his father] Adam Forsyth and [his mother] Agnes m Forsyth in Kelso.
After 29th December 1828. Monument in St Mary's Church, Swinstead [Map] to Priscilla Barbara Elizabeth Bertie 21st Baroness Willoughby of Eresby [deceased] sculpted by James Forsyth in 1883. An elaborate Gothic Aedicule of limestone. Above the Recessed inscription an achievement of arms of the Bertie's.
After 1839. St Mary the Virgin Church Buckland St Mary, Devon [Map]. Monument to Madelina Lance -1839. A unusual tomb, known by some as a Zombie Tomb, showing Madelina emerging from her tomb with her child. Designed and sculpted by James Forsyth [aged 11].
On 28th April 1860 James Forsyth [aged 32] and Eliza Hastie [aged 26] were married.
After 28th April 1860 [his daughter] Agnes Forsyth was born to James Forsyth [aged 32] and [his wife] Eliza Hastie [aged 26].
On 7th November 1860 John Campbell 1st Earl Cawdor [aged 69] died. His son John [aged 43] succeeded 2nd Earl Cawdor of Castlemartin in Pembrokeshire, 3rd Baron Cawdor of Castlemartin in Pembrokeshire. Sarah Mary Compton Cavendish Countess Cawdor [aged 47] by marriage Countess Cawdor of Castlemartin in Pembrokeshire. Monument in St Elidor's Church Stackpole [Map] sculpted by James Forsyth [aged 32].
John Campbell 1st Earl Cawdor: On 8th November 1790 he was born to John Campbell 1st Baron Cawdor and Isabella Caroline Howard Baroness Cawdor. On 5th September 1816 John Campbell 1st Earl Cawdor and Elizabeth Thynne Countess Cawdor were married. She the daughter of Thomas Thynne 2nd Marquess of Bath and Isabella Elizabeth Byng Marchioness Bath. They were fifth cousin once removed. On 1st June 1821 John Campbell 1st Baron Cawdor died at Bath, Somerset [Map]. He was buried at Bath Abbey [Map]. His son John succeeded 2nd Baron Cawdor of Castlemartin in Pembrokeshire. Elizabeth Thynne Countess Cawdor by marriage Baroness Cawdor of Castlemartin in Pembrokeshire. In 1827 John Campbell 1st Earl Cawdor was created 1st Earl Cawdor of Castlemartin in Pembrokeshire. Elizabeth Thynne Countess Cawdor by marriage Countess Cawdor of Castlemartin in Pembrokeshire.
John Frederick Vaughan Campbell 2nd Earl Cawdor: On 11th June 1817 he was born to John Campbell 1st Earl Cawdor and Elizabeth Thynne Countess Cawdor. In 1841 John Frederick Vaughan Campbell 2nd Earl Cawdor was elected MP Pembrokeshire. On 28th June 1842 John Frederick Vaughan Campbell 2nd Earl Cawdor and Sarah Mary Compton Cavendish Countess Cawdor were married. He the son of John Campbell 1st Earl Cawdor and Elizabeth Thynne Countess Cawdor. They were fifth cousins. On 29th March 1898 John Frederick Vaughan Campbell 2nd Earl Cawdor died. His son Frederick succeeded 3rd Earl Cawdor of Castlemartin in Pembrokeshire, 4th Baron Cawdor of Castlemartin in Pembrokeshire. Edith Georgiana Turnor Countess Cawdor by marriage Countess Cawdor of Castlemartin in Pembrokeshire.
Sarah Mary Compton Cavendish Countess Cawdor: On 27th August 1813 she was born to Henry Frederick Compton Cavendish and Sarah Fawkener. On 21st April 1881 Sarah Mary Compton Cavendish Countess Cawdor died.
In 1861 James Forsyth [aged 33] was commissioned to restore Saint Michael and All Angels Church, Great Witley [Map]. He added the font, pulpit and pews.
1861. Census. 8 Edward Street, St Pancras.
James Forsyth [aged 33]. 33. Sculptor.
[his wife] Eliza Hastie [aged 27]. Wife. 26.
[his daughter] Agnes Forsyth. Daughter. 12 months.
On 1864 [his son] James Nesfield Forsyth was born to James Forsyth [aged 36] and [his wife] Eliza Hastie [aged 30]. Baptised on 26th September 1869 Abode shown as Palatine Cottage. Two of his siblings were also baptised on the same day. He married 21st January 1902 Cecilia Naylor.
The Deeds of the Dukes of Normandy
The Gesta Normannorum Ducum [The Deeds of the Dukes of Normandy] is a landmark medieval chronicle tracing the rise and fall of the Norman dynasty from its early roots through the pivotal events surrounding the Norman Conquest of England. Originally penned in Latin by the monk William of Jumièges shortly before 1060 and later expanded at the behest of William the Conqueror, the work chronicles the deeds, politics, battles, and leadership of the Norman dukes, especially William’s own claim to the English throne. The narrative combines earlier historical sources with firsthand information and oral testimony to present an authoritative account of Normandy’s transformation from a Viking settlement into one of medieval Europe’s most powerful realms. William’s history emphasizes the legitimacy, military prowess, and governance of the Norman line, framing their expansion, including the conquest of England, as both divinely sanctioned and noble in purpose. Later chroniclers such as Orderic Vitalis and Robert of Torigni continued the history, extending the coverage into the 12th century, providing broader context on ducal rule and its impact. Today this classic work remains a foundational source for understanding Norman identity, medieval statesmanship, and the historical forces that reshaped England and Western Europe between 800AD and 1100AD.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
After 26th April 1865. Monument to Emily Eglantine Balfour [deceased] who probably died in childbirth, or as a consequence of childbirth, having given birth to three children since her marriage on 21st August 1861. Sculpted by James Forsyth [aged 37]. Holy Cross Church, Burley-on-the-Hill [Map].
Emily Eglantine Balfour: On 21st August 1841 she was born to Colonel John Balfour 7th of Balbirnie and Georgiana Campbell. On 21st August 1861 George Henry Finch and she were married at St Peter's Church, Pimlico. They were half second cousin twice removed. On 26th April 1865 Emily Eglantine Balfour died at Burley-on-the-Hill, Rutlandshire.
In 1866 [his daughter] Agnes Ellen Forsyth was born to James Forsyth [aged 38] and [his wife] Eliza Hastie [aged 32]. She was baptised on the same day 26th September 1869 as her elder brother and younger sister.
Around August 1867 [his wife] Eliza Hastie [aged 33] died. She was buried at Abney Park Cemetery.
Before 2nd April 1868 [his illegitimate daughter] Eliza Forsyth was born illegitimately to James Forsyth [aged 40] and [his future wife] Annie Hardie [aged 29]. She was baptised on the same day 26th September 1869 as her elder brother and sister. Given that she was three on the date of the 1871 Census 2nd April 1871 it suggests she was illegitimate since her parents married on 7th November 1868.
On 7th November 1868 James Forsyth [aged 40] and Annie Hardie [aged 29] were married.
2nd April 1871. Census. 8 Edward Street, St Pancras.
James Forsyth [aged 43]. 43. Sculptor.
[his wife] Annie Hardie [aged 32]. 32.
[his son] James Nesfield Forsyth [aged 7]. Son. 7. Scholar.
[his daughter] Agnes Ellen Forsyth [aged 5]. Daughter. 5. Scholar.
[his illegitimate daughter] Eliza Forsyth [aged 3]. Daughter. 3.
William Adam Forsyth. Son. 8. Scholar.
Agnes m Forsyth. Mother. 66. No occupation.
Mary Blackall. Servant. 16.
In 1873 [his son] William Adam Forsyth was born to James Forsyth [aged 45] and [his wife] Annie Hardie [aged 34].
In 1875 [his son] John Dudley Forsyth was born to James Forsyth [aged 47] and [his wife] Annie Hardie [aged 36].
In 1876 [his daughter] Annie Fosyth was born to James Forsyth [aged 48] and [his wife] Annie Hardie [aged 37].
In 1878 [his daughter] Jessie Forsyth was born to James Forsyth [aged 50] and [his wife] Annie Hardie [aged 39]
1881. Census. 8 Edward Street, St Pancras.
James Forsyth [aged 53]. 53. Sculptor.
[his wife] Annie Hardie [aged 42]. 42.
[his son] James Nesfield Forsyth [aged 17]. Son. 17. Sculptor.
[his daughter] Agnes Ellen Forsyth [aged 15]. Daughter. 15. Dressmaker.
[his illegitimate daughter] Eliza Forsyth [aged 12]. Daughter. 13. Scholar.
William Adam Forsyth [aged 8]. Son. 8. Scholar.
John Dudley Forsyth [aged 6]. Son. 6. Scholar.
Annie Fosyth [aged 5]. Daughter. 5. Scholar.
Jessie Forsyth [aged 3]. Daughter. 3.
Agnes m Forsyth. Mother. 77. No occupation.
Adam Forsyth. Nephew.
Adelaide Stansell. 21. Servant
Fanny Dann. Servant.
1891. Census. Ednam House
James Forsyth [aged 63]. 63. Sculptor.
[his wife] Annie Hardie [aged 52]. 52.
[his son] James Nesfield Forsyth [aged 27]. Son. 27. Sculptor.
[his daughter] Agnes Ellen Forsyth [aged 25]. Daughter. 25. Dressmaker.
[his illegitimate daughter] Eliza Forsyth [aged 22]. Daughter. 23. Scholar.
William Adam Forsyth [aged 18]. Son. 18. Pupil Architect.
John Dudley Forsyth [aged 16]. Son. 16. Pupil Artist.
Annie Fosyth [aged 15]. Daughter. 15. Scholar.
Jessie Forsyth [aged 13]. Daughter. 13.
Emma Harrison Servant. 16. General Domestic Servant.
Agnes m Forsyth. Mother. 86. Living on own means.
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.
On 25th July 1892 Bishop Thomas Legh Claughton [aged 83] died. Monument at St Albans Cathedral [Map] sculpted by James Forsyth [aged 64].
Bishop Thomas Legh Claughton: On 6th November 1808 he was born. In 1877 he was appointed Bishop of St Albans. Life's Ebb And Flow Chapter IV. [30th April 1881]. Our dear friend, the Bishop of St. Albans (Claughton), helped by our neighbour the rector of Little Easton [Map], the Rev. G. Tufnell, along with two London clergy, officiated at our wedding. It pleased me very much to have the benediction pronounced by Dean Stanley, who had kept in the background during the ceremony. The register was signed by the Prince of Wales, Prince Leopold, and Lords Warwick and Rosslyn. Our honeymoon was spent at beautiful Ditton Park, which was lent us by the Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch, and there, in lovely May weather, we had a fortnight on the river, boating and canoeing. But, alas for romance, there was one worldly honour given us that demanded all our self-control. We were commanded to dine at Windsor Castle on the day after our wedding, and I was asked to wear my bridal dress, orange blossoms and all! I must confess that Her Majesty's kindness on that occasion went far to soothe the shyness of a bride in her teens. The Queen took from my corsage a spray of orange blossom to keep as a souvenir and said many charming things about the beauty of my frock. Her Majesty so much admired what she was pleased to call the "lovely" dress, that I had a note next day from Lady Churchill, then in waiting, to say that the Queen wished so very much to possess a photograph of me if I would have myself taken in the gown, and hoping I was not too tired from the long standing.
1893. Monument at Archbishop William Connor Magee at Peterborough Cathedral [Map] sculpted by James Forsyth [aged 65].
Archbishop William Connor Magee: On 17th December 1821 he was born at Cork [Map]. On 15th November 1868 Archbishop William Connor Magee was consecrated Bishop of Peterborough. On 17th March 1891 he was appointed Archbishop of York. He died seven weeks later. On 5th May 1891 he died. He was buried at Peterborough Cathedral [Map].
On 24th December 1894 James Atlay Bishop of Hereford 1817-1894 died. Monument in the North Transept of Hereford Cathedral [Map]. Sculpted by James Forsyth [aged 66].
1901. Census. 110 Goldhurst Terrace
James Forsyth [aged 73].73. Sculptor.
[his son] James Nesfield Forsyth [aged 37]. Son. 37. Sculptor.
William Adam Forsyth [aged 28]. Son. 28. Architect.
John Dudley Forsyth [aged 26]. Son. 26. Stained Glass Artist.
Jessie Forsyth [aged 23]. Daughter. 23.
Charlie Naylor. Visitor. 26. Techer of Dancing School
Martha Watkins. 20. General Domestic Servant.
On 21st January 1902 James Nesfield Forsyth [aged 38] and Cecilia Naylor [aged 26] were married at All Saints Church in the presence of William Adam Forsyth [aged 29] and James Forsyth [aged 74]. He the son of James Forsyth and Eliza Hastie.
Before 1910. St Mary the Virgin Church Buckland St Mary, Devon [Map]. A magnificient Reredos sculpted in alabaster by James Forsyth [aged 81].
On 3rd February 1910 James Forsyth [aged 82] died. He was buried at Hampstead Cemetery.
On 10th May 1920. Probate for James Forsyth of Ednam House. Executors [his son] William Adam Forsyth [aged 47] Architect and John Dudley Forsyth [aged 45] Artist. Effects £7969 14s 4d.
Church of the Holy Trinity Arrow, Warwickshire [Map]. Reredos. Possibly James Forsyth.
