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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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Ann Goodwin 1819-1901

On 19th September 1808 [her father] Thomas Goodwin and [her mother] Ann Hollis were married at All Saints Church, Youlgreave [Map].

On or before 16th May 1819 Ann Goodwin was born to Thomas Goodwin and Ann Hollis at Stanton [Map]. She was baptised on 16th May 1819. Her mother's name was Anne. Her father's profession was Miner.

In or before 1846 Charles Hadfield [aged 27] and Ann Goodwin [aged 26] were married.

Around 1846 [her daughter] Anne Hadfield was born to [her husband] Charles Hadfield [aged 27] and Ann Goodwin [aged 26].

Around 1849 [her son] William Hadfield was born to [her husband] Charles Hadfield [aged 30] and Ann Goodwin [aged 29]. He must have died young since he doesn't appear on the 1861 census.

Around 1857 [her son] Thomas Hadfield was born to [her husband] Charles Hadfield [aged 38] and Ann Goodwin [aged 37]. He married 29th May 1884 Elizabeth Oakes and had issue.

Around 1860 [her son] John Hadfield was born to [her husband] Charles Hadfield [aged 41] and Ann Goodwin [aged 40]. He married 26th June 1881 Hannah Redford and had issue.

1881. 1881 Census Derbyshire Mellor Page 3. Cobden Edge [Map].

[her husband] Charles Hadfield [aged 62]. Head. 62. Farmer of 38 Acres.

Ann Goodwin [aged 61]. Wife. 61. Farmer's wife.

[her son] Thomas Hadfield [aged 24]. 23. Slurry? Cotton Print Works.

John Hadfield [aged 21]. 21. Carter Cotton Print Works.

On 26th June 1881 [her son] John Hadfield [aged 21] and [her daughter-in-law] Hannah Redford [aged 21] were married at St Matthew's Church, Hayfield [Map] where they were botth resident. He was recorded as a Carder, she as a Card? Hand.

On 18th December 1882 [her husband] Charles Hadfield [aged 64] died at Cobden Edge [Map]. His will was probated 31st January 1882.

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The True Chronicles of Jean le Bel Volume 1 Chapters 1-60 1307-1342

The True Chronicles of Jean le Bel offer one of the most vivid and immediate accounts of 14th-century Europe, written by a knight who lived through the events he describes, and experienced some of them first hand. Covering the early decades of the Hundred Years’ War, this remarkable chronicle follows the campaigns of Edward III of England, the politics of France and the Low Countries, and the shifting alliances that shaped medieval warfare. Unlike later historians, Jean le Bel writes with a strong sense of eyewitness authenticity, drawing on personal experience and the testimony of fellow soldiers. His narrative captures not only battles and sieges, but also the realities of military life, diplomacy, and the ideals of chivalry that governed noble society. A key source for Jean Froissart, Le Bel’s chronicle stands on its own as a compelling and insightful work, at once historical record and literary achievement. This translation builds on the 1905 edition published in French by Jules Viard, adding extensive translations from other sources Rymer's Fœdera, the Chronicles of Adam Murimuth, William Nangis, Walter of Guisborough, a Bourgeois of Valenciennes, Geoffrey le Baker of Swinbroke and Richard Lescot to enrich the original text and Viard's notes.

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29th May 1884. 1884 Marriage Banns New Mills. [her son] Thomas Hadfield [aged 27] and [her daughter-in-law] Elizabeth Oakes [aged 32] were married. He a Farmer. His father, a farmer, [her former husband] Charles Hadfield deceased. Her father, a Blacksmith, Robert Oakes [aged 66] deceased.

1891. 1891 Census Derbyshire Mellor Page 1. Mellor Hall Farm [Map].

[her son] John Hadfield [aged 31]. Head. 30. Farmer.

[her daughter-in-law] Hannah Redford [aged 31]. Wife. 30.

[her granddaughter] Ellen Ann Hadfield [aged 9]. Daughter. 9.

Mary Hadfield [aged 7]. Daughter. 7.

Edith Hadfield [aged 3]. Daughter. 4.

Ann Goodwin [aged 71]. Mother. Widow. 72.

Ellen Ann Hadfield: Around 1882 she was born to John Hadfield and Hannah Redford.

Mary Hadfield: Around 1884 she was born to John Hadfield and Hannah Redford.

Edith Hadfield: Around 1888 she was born to John Hadfield and Hannah Redford.

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1901. 1901 Census Derbyshire 37 Mellor Hall Farm. Mellor Hall Farm [Map].

[her son] John Hadfield [aged 41]. Head. 41. Farmer Employer.

[her daughter-in-law] Hannah Redford [aged 41]. Wife. 41.

[her granddaughter] Ellen Ann Hadfield [aged 19]. Daughter. 19. Calico Weaver at Cotton Mill.

Mary Hadfield [aged 17]. Daughter. 17. Card Room Hand aat Cotton Mill.

Edith Hadfield [aged 13]. Daughter. 13. Cotton Mill Operative.

Ann Goodwin [aged 81]. Mother. Widow. 81.

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In or after 1901 Ann Goodwin [deceased] died. She was recorded on the 1901 Census.