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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Paternal Family Tree: Essex
Sigeheard King of Essex was born to [his father] Sæbbi King of Essex.
In 664 Swithhelm King of Essex died. Sighere King of Essex succeeded King Essex. [his father] Sæbbi King of Essex (age 38) succeeded King Essex. They ruled jointly.
In 664 [his father] Sæbbi King of Essex (age 38) was appointed King Essex. He ruled jointly with his cousin Sighere King of Essex until 688 when Sighere King of Essex died after which he ruled solely.
Bede. 695. A stone coffin having been provided for burying [his father] his body (age 69), when they came to lay it in the same, they found his body a span longer than the coffin. Hereupon they hewed away the stone, and made the coffin about two fingers longer; but neither would it then contain the body. Under this difficulty of entombing him, they had thoughts either to get another coffin, or else to shorten the body, by bending it at the knees, if they could. But a wonderful event, caused by Providence, prevented the execution of either of those designs; for on a sudden, in the presence of the bishop, and Sighard, the son of the king who had turned monk, and who reigned after him jointly with his brother [his brother] Suefred, and of a considerable number of men, that same coffin was found to answer the length of the body, insomuch that a pillow might also be put in at the head; and at the feet the coffin was four fingers longer than the body. He was buried in the church of the blessed Apostle of the Gentiles [Map], by whose instructions he had learned to hope for heavenly things.
In 695 [his father] Sæbbi King of Essex (age 69) died. His son Sigeheard succeeded King Essex. His son [his brother] Swæfred succeeded King Essex. They ruled jointly.
In 709 [his brother] Swæfred King of Essex died. His second cousin once removed Offa succeeded King Essex.
In 709 Sigeheard King of Essex died. His second cousin once removed Offa succeeded King Essex.
[his son] Sebbi of Essex was born to Sigeheard King of Essex.
Great x 2 Grandfather: Sledd King of Essex
Great x 1 Grandfather: King Sæberht of Essex
Great x 2 Grandmother: Ricula of Kent
GrandFather: Sexred King of Essex
Father: Sæbbi King of Essex