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.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
Paternal Family Tree: Baker
On 10th November 1713 [his father] George Baker [age 26] and [his step-mother] Bridget Harris were married.
On 1st January 1722 George Baker 1st Baronet was born to [his father] George Baker [age 35] and [his mother] Mary Weston at Modbury, Devon.
On 24th January 1738 [his father] George Baker [age 51] and [his mother] Mary Weston were married at Dawlish, Devon. She the daughter of [his grandfather] Bishop Stephen Weston [age 73].
In 1749 George Baker 1st Baronet [age 26] went to Leiden University to study physic, becoming MD in 1756.
In 1756 George Baker 1st Baronet [age 33] was admitted to the Royal College of Physicians.
In 1757 George Baker 1st Baronet [age 34] became a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians.
In 1762 George Baker 1st Baronet [age 39] was appointed Fellow of the Royal Society.
On 28th June 1768 George Baker 1st Baronet [age 46] and Jane Morris were married at St James' Church, Piccadilly.
In 1772 [his father] George Baker [age 85] died.
William of Worcester's Chronicle of England
William of Worcester, born around 1415, and died around 1482 was secretary to John Fastolf, the renowned soldier of the Hundred Years War, during which time he collected documents, letters, and wrote a record of events. Following their return to England in 1440 William was witness to major events. Twice in his chronicle he uses the first person: 1. when writing about the murder of Thomas, 7th Baron Scales, in 1460, he writes '… and I saw him lying naked in the cemetery near the porch of the church of St. Mary Overie in Southwark …' and 2. describing King Edward IV's entry into London in 1461 he writes '… proclaimed that all the people themselves were to recognize and acknowledge Edward as king. I was present and heard this, and immediately went down with them into the city'. William’s Chronicle is rich in detail. It is the source of much information about the Wars of the Roses, including the term 'Diabolical Marriage' to describe the marriage of Queen Elizabeth Woodville’s brother John’s marriage to Katherine, Dowager Duchess of Norfolk, he aged twenty, she sixty-five or more, and the story about a paper crown being placed in mockery on the severed head of Richard, 3rd Duke of York.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
On 13th May 1772 [his son] Frederick Baker 2nd Baronet was born to George Baker 1st Baronet [age 50] and [his wife] Jane Morris at Jermyn Street. He was baptised on 17th June 1772 at St James' Church, Piccadilly. He married July 1814 Harriet Simeon Lady Baker, daughter of John Simeon 1st Baronet and Rebecca Cornwall, and had issue.
The London Gazette 11694. St. James's, August 24. The King has been pleased to grant the Dignity of a Baronet of the Kingdom of Great Britain, to them and their Heirs Male, unto
George Winn, of Little Warley in the County of Essex, Esq; and late one of the Barons of His Majesty's Court of Exchequer in Scotland.
Herbert Mackworth, of the Gnoll in the County of Glamorgan, Esq;
James Laroche, of Over in the Parish of Aldmondsbury in the County of Gloucester, Esq;
Henry Peyton, of Doddington in the Isle of Ely, Esq;
George Baker [age 54], Doctor in Physick, and Physician in Ordinary to Her Majesty; [Baronet Baker of Loventor in Totnes in Devon].
Before 26th August 1776 George Baker 1st Baronet [age 54] was appointed physician to the Queen's household and then physician to King George III [age 38], attending the king during his periods of madness.
On 15th June 1809 George Baker 1st Baronet [age 87] died. He was buried at St James' Church, Piccadilly. His son Frederick [age 37] succeeded 2nd Baronet Baker of Loventor in Totnes in Devon.
Great x 2 Grandfather: Unknown Baker
Great x 1 Grandfather: John Baker of Alvington, Devon
GrandFather: Aaron Baker
Father: George Baker
Great x 1 Grandfather: Reverend Joseph Tompson of Exminster, Devon
GrandMother: Martha Tompson
GrandFather: Bishop Stephen Weston 
Mother: Mary Weston