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.

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Biography of Coelwulf King Mercia King East Anglia King of Kent

Coelwulf King Mercia King East Anglia King of Kent was born to [his father] Cuthberht Mercia.

Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. 819. This year died [his brother] Cenwulf, King of Mercia; and Ceolwulf33 succeeded him. Alderman Eadbert also departed this life.

Note 33. St. Kenelm is said to have succeeded Cenwulf:

"In the foure and twentithe yere of his kyngdom

Kenulf wente out of this worlde, and to the joye of hevene com;

It was after that oure Lord in his moder alygte

Eigte hondred yet and neygentene, by a countes rigte,

Seint Kenelm his yonge sone in his sevende yere

Kyng was ymad after him, theg he yong were."

"Vita S. Kenelmi, MS. Coll. Trin Oxon." No. 57. Arch.

Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. 821. This year Ceolwulf was deprived of his kingdom.

In 821 [his brother] King Coenwulf of Mercia died at Basingwerk, Flintshire. He was buried at Winchcombe Abbey [Map]. His brother Coelwulf succeeded King Mercia, King East Anglia, King of Kent.