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.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
Caerlaverock Castle is in Caerlaverock.
In 1297 Simon Clifford (age 21) died at Caerlaverock Castle [Map].
Around 1304 William le Boteler 7th Baron Warrington (age 73) died at Caerlaverock Castle [Map].
In 1335 Elizabeth Maxwell Countess Atholl was born to John Maxwell (age 20) at Caerlaverock Castle [Map]. She married (1) before 1340 William "Flower of Chivalry and Knight Liddesdale" Douglas 1st Earl Atholl and had issue (2) before 1357 Hugh Dacre 4th Baron Dacre of Gilsland, Baron Multon of Gilsand, son of Ralph Dacre 1st Baron Dacre Gilsland and Margaret "Flower of Gillesland" Multon Baroness Dacre of Gilsland 2nd Baroness Multon Gilsland, and had issue.
Around 1340 Robert Maxwell of Caerlaverock was born to John Maxwell (age 25) at Caerlaverock Castle [Map].
Around 1388 Herbert Maxwell 1st Lord Maxwell was born to Herbert Maxwell and Katherine Stewart Lady Maxwell at Caerlaverock Castle [Map]. He married (1) before 9th March 1439 Janet Herries and had issue (2) after 9th March 1439 his fourth cousin twice removed Catherine Seton and had issue.
On 8th February 1410 Robert Maxwell of Caerlaverock (age 70) died at Caerlaverock Castle [Map].
Before 18th May 1425 Murdoch Stewart 2nd Duke Albany (age 63) and his younger son Alexander Stewart were arrested and confined in St Andrew's Castle then moved to Caerlaverock Castle [Map]. His wife was arrested at the family's home of Doune Castle and imprisoned at Tantallon Castle.
Murdoch's son James "Fat aka Seamas Mòr" Stewart led the men of Lennox and Argyll in open rebellion against the crown. He attacked and burned the burgh of Dumbarton with much loss of life.
Around 1456 John Maxwell 4th Lord Maxwell was born to John Maxwell 3rd Lord Maxwell and Janet Crichton Lady Maxwell (age 20) at Caerlaverock Castle [Map]. He married 1491 Agnes Stewart and had issue.
On 7th February 1478 Catherine Seton (age 68) died at Caerlaverock Castle [Map].
Before 1825. Myles Birket Foster. "Caerlaverock Castle [Map]".
Adam Murimuth's Continuation and Robert of Avesbury’s 'The Wonderful Deeds of King Edward III'
This volume brings together two of the most important contemporary chronicles for the reign of Edward III and the opening phases of the Hundred Years’ War. Written in Latin by English clerical observers, these texts provide a vivid and authoritative window into the political, diplomatic, and military history of fourteenth-century England and its continental ambitions. Adam Murimuth Continuatio's Chronicarum continues an earlier chronicle into the mid-fourteenth century, offering concise but valuable notices on royal policy, foreign relations, and ecclesiastical affairs. Its annalistic structure makes it especially useful for establishing chronology and tracing the development of events year by year. Complementing it, Robert of Avesbury’s De gestis mirabilibus regis Edwardi tertii is a rich documentary chronicle preserving letters, treaties, and official records alongside narrative passages. It is an indispensable source for understanding Edward III’s claim to the French crown, the conduct of war, and the mechanisms of medieval diplomacy. Together, these works offer scholars, students, and enthusiasts a reliable and unembellished account of a transformative period in English and European history. Essential for anyone interested in medieval chronicles, the Hundred Years’ War, or the reign of Edward III.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
18th July 1899. Godfrey Bingley (age 57). Caerlaverock Castle [Map].
