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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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In 1619 Edmund Pooley of Bradley in Suffolk was born.
Before October 1649 Edmund Pooley of Bradley in Suffolk (age 30) and Hester Crofts were married.
In October 1649 [his son] Edmund Pooley was born to Edmund Pooley of Bradley in Suffolk (age 30) and [his wife] Hester Crofts He died aged less than one years old.
On 4th September 1650 [his son] Edmund Pooley died. He was buried at Corpusty Church where there is an inscription "Here lyeth the body of Edmund Pooley, son of Sir Edmund Pooley (age 31) of Bradley in the County of Suffolk, Kent, Knight, & [his wife] Dame Hester his Wife. He lived Eleven Monthes, eight Dayes. Died September 4th Anno Domini I650".
In 1661 Edmund Pooley of Bradley in Suffolk (age 42) was elected MP Bury St Edmunds which seat he held until 1671.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 24th November 1664. After the House had received the King's speech, and what more he had to say, delivered in writing, the Chancellor (age 55) being sicke, it rose, and I with Sir Philip Warwicke (age 54) home and conferred our matters about the charge of the Navy, and have more to give him in the excessive charge of this year's expense. I dined with him, and Mr. Povy (age 50) with us and Sir Edmund Pooly (age 45), a fine gentleman, and Mr. Chichly (age 50), and fine discourse we had and fine talke, being proud to see myself accepted in such company and thought better than I am.
In 1665 Edmund Pooley of Bradley in Suffolk (age 46) was appointed Sub-commissioner of Prizes.
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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Samuel Pepys' Diary. 1st November 1665. At last up, and it being a very foule day for raine and a hideous wind, yet having promised I would go by water to Erith, Kent, and bearing sayle was in danger of oversetting, but ordered them take down their sayle, and so cold and wet got thither, as they had ended their dinner. How[ever], I dined well, and after dinner all on shore, my Lord Bruncker (age 45) with us to Mrs. Williams's lodgings, and Sir W. Batten (age 64), Sir Edmund Pooly (age 46), and others; and there, it being my Lord's birth-day, had every one a green riband tied in our hats very foolishly; and methinks mighty disgracefully for my Lord to have his folly so open to all the world with this woman.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 16th November 1665. So I on board my Lord Bruncker (age 45); and there he and Sir Edmund Pooly (age 46) carried me down into the hold of the India shipp, and there did show me the greatest wealth lie in confusion that a man can see in the world. Pepper scattered through every chink, you trod upon it; and in cloves and nutmegs, I walked above the knees; whole rooms full. And silk in bales, and boxes of copper-plate, one of which I saw opened.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 19th November 1665. Lord's Day. Up, and after being trimmed, alone by water to Erith, Kent, all the way with my song book singing of Mr. Lawes's long recitative song in the beginning of his book. Being come there, on board my Lord Bruncker (age 45), I find Captain Cocke (age 48) and other company, the lady not well, and mighty merry we were; Sir Edmund Pooly (age 46) being very merry, and a right English gentleman, and one of the discontented Cavaliers, that think their loyalty is not considered.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 26th November 1665. Business done, we to dinner very merry, there being there Sir Edmund Pooly (age 46), a very worthy gentleman. They are now come to the copper boxes in the prizes, and hope to have ended all this weeke.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 10th December 1665. Lord's Day. Lay long talking, Hill (age 35) and I, with great pleasure, and then up, and being ready walked to Cocke's (age 48) for some newes, but heard none, only they would have us stay their dinner, and sent for my wife, who come, and very merry we were, there being Sir Edmund Pooly (age 46) and Mr. Evelyn (age 45). Before we had dined comes Mr. Andrews (age 33), whom we had sent for to Bow, and so after dinner home, and there we sang some things, but not with much pleasure, Mr. Andrews being in so great haste to go home, his wife looking every hour to be brought to bed. He gone Mr. Hill and I continued our musique, one thing after another, late till supper, and so to bed with great pleasure.
In or before 1667 Edmund Pooley of Bradley in Suffolk (age 47) was appointed Clerk-Extraordinary in the Privy Council.
In 1701 Edmund Pooley of Bradley in Suffolk (age 82) died.