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 Bishop Benjamin Lany 1591-1675

On 1st January 1591 Bishop Benjamin Lany was born.

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 8th April 1663. After sermon I went up and saw the ceremony of the Bishop of Peterborough's [aged 72] paying homage upon the knee to the King [aged 32], while Sir H. Bennet [aged 45], Secretary, read the King's grant of the Bishopric of Lincoln, to which he is translated. His name is Dr. Lany.

In 1667 Bishop Benjamin Lany [aged 75] was appointed Bishop of Ely.

John Evelyn's Diary. 14th November 1668. To London, invited to the consecration of that excellent person, the Dean of Ripon, Dr. Wilkins [aged 54], now made Bishop of Chester; it was at Ely House, the Archbishop of Canterbury [aged 70], Dr. Cosin [aged 73], Bishop of Durham, the Bishops of Ely [aged 77], Salisbury, Rochester [aged 43], and others officiating. Dr. Tillotson [aged 38] preached. Then, we went to a sumptuous dinner in the hall, where were the Duke of Buckingham [aged 40], Judges, Secretaries of State, Lord-Keeper, Council, Noblemen, and innumerable other company, who were honorers of this incomparable man, universally beloved by all who knew him.

On 24th January 1675 Bishop Benjamin Lany [aged 84] died.

On 25th June 1819 John Morris 1st Baronet [aged 73] died. His son John [aged 43] succeeded 2nd Baronet Morris of Clasemont in Glamorganshire. Lucy Juliana Byng Lady Morris [aged 29] Bishop Benjamin Lany Baronet Morris of Clasemont in Glamorganshire.