Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall
The Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall (Chronicon Anglicanum) is an indispensable medieval history that brings to life centuries of English and European affairs through the eyes of a learned Cistercian monk. Ralph of Coggeshall, abbot of the Abbey of Coggeshall in Essex in the early 13th century, continued and expanded his community’s chronicle, documenting events from the Norman Conquest of 1066 into the tumultuous reign of King Henry III. Blending eyewitness testimony, careful compilation, and the monastic commitment to record-keeping, this chronicle offers a rare narrative of political intrigue, royal power struggles, and social upheaval in England and beyond. Ralph’s work captures the reigns of pivotal figures such as Richard I and King John, providing invaluable insights into their characters, decisions, and the forces that shaped medieval rule. More than a simple annal, Chronicon Anglicanum conveys the texture of medieval life and governance, making it a rich source for scholars and readers fascinated by English history, monastic authorship, and the shaping of the medieval world.
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In 937 King Æthelstan I of England (age 43) and his son [her future husband] Edmund (age 16) defeated the Scottish, Irish Viking and Strathclyde army at the Battle of Brunanburh. Two of Æthelstan's cousins, Æthelwine Wessex and Aelfwine Wessex were killed.
Archbishop Oda was present although there are no contemporary records of Oda's appearance at the battle. He is said to have miraculously provided a sword to the king when the king's own sword slipped out of its scabbard.
On 27th October 939 King Æthelstan I of England (age 45) died in Gloucester [Map]. His half brother [her future husband] Edmund (age 18) succeeded King of England.
In or before 943 King Edmund I of England (age 21) and Aelfgifu of Shaftesbury Queen Consort England were married. She by marriage Queen Consort England. He the son of King Edward "Elder" of the Anglo Saxons and Eadgifu Kent Queen Anglo Saxons.
Around 943 [her son] King Edgar I of England was born to [her husband] King Edmund I of England (age 22) and Aelfgifu of Shaftesbury Queen Consort England at Winchester, Hampshire [Map]. He married 962 Aelfthryth Queen Consort England, daughter of Ordgar Earldorman Devon, and had issue.
Chronicle of Athelward Chapter 6. 944. 948. After seven years, therefore, bishop Wulfstan and the duke of the Mercians expelled certain deserters, namely, Reginald and Anlaf from the city of York, and gave them into the king's hand. In the same year died also queen Elfgiva, wife of king Edmund, and afterwards was canonized. In her tomb, with God's assistance, even to the present day, miracles are performed in the monastery called Shaftesbury [Map].
In 944 Aelfgifu of Shaftesbury Queen Consort England died.
In or after 944 [her former husband] King Edmund I of England (age 23) and Æthelflæd of Damerham Queen Consort of England were married. She by marriage Queen Consort England. He the son of King Edward "Elder" of the Anglo Saxons and Eadgifu Kent Queen Anglo Saxons.
On 26th May 946 [her former husband] King Edmund I of England (age 25) was murdered by Leofa, an exiled thief, whilst attending mass at Pucklechurch, Gloucestershire. He was buried at Glastonbury Abbey [Map]. His brother [her former brother-in-law] Eadred succeeded I King of England.
[her son] King Eadwig I of England was born to King Edmund I of England and Aelfgifu of Shaftesbury Queen Consort England. He married in or before 958 Ælfgifu Queen Consort of England.