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.
Paternal Family Tree: Howard
Maternal Family Tree: Janet Lyle
In 1612 [his father] Theophilus Howard 2nd Earl Suffolk [aged 29] and [his mother] Elizabeth Home Countess Suffolk [aged 13] were married. She the daughter of [his grandfather] George Home 1st Earl Dunbar and [his grandmother] Elizabeth Gordon Countess Dunbar [aged 37]. He the son of Thomas Howard 1st Earl Suffolk [aged 50] and Catherine Knyvet Countess Suffolk [aged 48].
On 10th February 1619 James Howard 3rd Earl Suffolk was born to [his father] Theophilus Howard 2nd Earl Suffolk [aged 36] and [his mother] Elizabeth Home Countess Suffolk [aged 20]. His godfathers were King James I of England and Ireland and VI of Scotland [aged 52] and George Villiers 1st Duke of Buckingham [aged 26].
On 2nd February 1626 King Charles I of England, Scotland and Ireland [aged 25] was crowned I King England Scotland and Ireland at Westminster Abbey [Map] by Archbishop George Abbott [aged 63]. His wife Henrietta Maria [aged 16] was not crowned since she being Catholic refused to attend an Anglican service. She watched Charles at a discreet distance.
Robert Radclyffe 5th Earl of Sussex [aged 52] carried the Orb.
Francis Talbot 11th Earl of Shrewsbury [aged 3] bore the Second Sword of State.
Philip Herbert 4th Earl Pembroke 1st Earl Montgomery [aged 41] carried the Spurs.
Francis Manners 6th Earl of Rutland [aged 48] bore the Rod with the Dove.
William Cavendish 3rd Earl Devonshire [aged 8], James Stanley 7th Earl of Derby [aged 19], James Howard 3rd Earl Suffolk [aged 6], Roger Palmer [aged 49] and Mildmay Fane 2nd Earl of Westmoreland [aged 24], John Maynard [aged 34] were appointed Knight of the Bath.
John Rayney 1st Baronet [aged 25] was knighted.
On 28th May 1626 [his grandfather] Thomas Howard 1st Earl Suffolk [aged 64] died at Charing Cross [Map]. He was buried at Waldon Priory and Abbey [Map]. His son [his father] Theophilus [aged 43] succeeded 2nd Earl Suffolk. [his mother] Elizabeth Home Countess Suffolk [aged 27] by marriage Countess Suffolk.
On 19th August 1633 [his mother] Elizabeth Home Countess Suffolk [aged 34] died.
On 3rd June 1640 [his father] Theophilus Howard 2nd Earl Suffolk [aged 57] died at Suffolk House, Suffolk Street. He was buried at Waldon Priory and Abbey [Map]. His son James [aged 21] succeeded 3rd Earl Suffolk, 3rd Baron Howard de Walden.
On 1st December 1640 James Howard 3rd Earl Suffolk [aged 21] and Susannah Rich Countess Suffolk [aged 12] were married. She by marriage Countess Suffolk. She the daughter of Henry Rich 1st Earl Holland [aged 50] and Isabel Cope Countess Holland. He the son of Theophilus Howard 2nd Earl Suffolk and Elizabeth Home Countess Suffolk. They were fifth cousins.
In 1641 [his brother-in-law] Robert Rich 5th Earl Warwick 2nd Earl Holland [aged 22] and Elizabeth Ingram Countess Holland [aged 18] were married. He the son of [his father-in-law] Henry Rich 1st Earl Holland [aged 50] and [his mother-in-law] Isabel Cope Countess Holland. They were fifth cousin once removed.
On 1st October 1642 [his brother-in-law] Algernon Percy 10th Earl of Northumberland [aged 40] and [his sister] Elizabeth Howard Countess Northumberland [aged 19] were married. She by marriage Countess of Northumberland. The difference in their ages was 20 years. She the daughter of [his father] Theophilus Howard 2nd Earl Suffolk and [his mother] Elizabeth Home Countess Suffolk. He the son of Henry "Wizard Earl" Percy 9th Earl of Northumberland and Dorothy Devereux Countess Northumberland. They were fourth cousin once removed.
Before 1646 Richard Wenman [aged 23] and [his future wife] Barbara Villiers Countess Suffolk [aged 23] were married.
The Deeds of the Dukes of Normandy
The Gesta Normannorum Ducum [The Deeds of the Dukes of Normandy] is a landmark medieval chronicle tracing the rise and fall of the Norman dynasty from its early roots through the pivotal events surrounding the Norman Conquest of England. Originally penned in Latin by the monk William of Jumièges shortly before 1060 and later expanded at the behest of William the Conqueror, the work chronicles the deeds, politics, battles, and leadership of the Norman dukes, especially William’s own claim to the English throne. The narrative combines earlier historical sources with firsthand information and oral testimony to present an authoritative account of Normandy’s transformation from a Viking settlement into one of medieval Europe’s most powerful realms. William’s history emphasizes the legitimacy, military prowess, and governance of the Norman line, framing their expansion, including the conquest of England, as both divinely sanctioned and noble in purpose. Later chroniclers such as Orderic Vitalis and Robert of Torigni continued the history, extending the coverage into the 12th century, providing broader context on ducal rule and its impact. Today this classic work remains a foundational source for understanding Norman identity, medieval statesmanship, and the historical forces that reshaped England and Western Europe between 800AD and 1100AD.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
On 19th May 1649 [his wife] Susannah Rich Countess Suffolk [aged 21] died.
Around February 1650 James Howard 3rd Earl Suffolk [aged 30] and Barbara Villiers Countess Suffolk [aged 27] were married. She by marriage Countess Suffolk. He the son of Theophilus Howard 2nd Earl Suffolk and Elizabeth Home Countess Suffolk.
Before 15th December 1654 [his sister-in-law] Elizabeth Villiers Countess Morton [aged 45] died.
On 23rd April 1661 King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland [aged 30] was crowned II King England Scotland and Ireland at Westminster Abbey [Map].
John Bennet 1st Baron Ossulston [aged 44], Francis Fane [aged 23] and Edward Hungerford [aged 28] was appointed Knight of the Bath.
Francis Godolphin [aged 55] was knighted.
[his nephew] Josceline Percy 11th Earl of Northumberland [aged 16] attended.
James Howard 3rd Earl Suffolk [aged 42] was appointed Earl Marshal.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 23rd April 1661. But, above all, was these three Lords, [his brother-in-law] Northumberland [aged 58], and Suffolk [aged 42], and the Duke of Ormond [aged 50], coming before the courses on horseback, and staying so all dinner-time, and at last to bring up [Dymock] the King's Champion, all in armour on horseback, with his spear and targett carried before him. And a Herald proclaims "That if any dare deny Charles Stewart to be lawful King of England, here was a Champion that would fight with him1;" and with these words, the Champion flings down his gauntlet, and all this he do three times in his going up towards the King's table. At last when he is come, the King drinks to him, and then sends him the cup which is of gold, and he drinks it off, and then rides back again with the cup in his hand.
Note 1. The terms of the Champion's challenge were as follows: "If any person of what degree soever, high or low, shall deny or gainsay our Soveraigne Lord King Charles the Second, King of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, defender of the faith, Sonne and next heire to our Soveraigne Lord Charles the First, the last King deceased, to be right heire to the Imperiall Crowne of this Realme of England, or that bee ought not to enjoy the same; here is his champion, who sayth that he lyeth and is a false Traytor, being ready in person to combate with him, and in this quarrell will venture his life against him, on what day soever hee shall be appointed".
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 28th December 1663. Up and by coach to my Lord's lodgings, but he was gone abroad, so I lost my pains, but, however, walking through White Hall I heard the King [aged 33] was gone to play at Tennis, so I down to the new Tennis Court; and saw him and Sir Arthur Slingsby [aged 40] play against my Lord of Suffolke [aged 44] and my Lord Chesterfield [aged 29]. The King beat three, and lost two sets, they all, and he particularly playing well, I thought.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 25th February 1666. He tells me my Lord of Suffolke [aged 47], Lord Arlington [aged 48], Archbishop of Canterbury [aged 67], Lord Treasurer [aged 58], Mr. Atturny Montagu [aged 48], Sir Thomas Clifford [aged 35] in the House of Commons, Sir G. Carteret [aged 56], and some others I cannot presently remember, are friends that I may rely on for him. He tells me my Chancellor [aged 57] seems his very good friend, but doubts that he may not think him so much a servant of the Duke of Yorke's [aged 32] as he would have him, and indeed my Lord tells me he hath lately made it his business to be seen studious of the King's favour, and not of the Duke's, and by the King [aged 35] will stand or fall, for factions there are, as he tells me, and God knows how high they may come.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 7th March 1666. So I provoked my Lord to be gone, and he and I to Mr. Cottle's and met Mrs. Williams (without whom he cannot stir out of doors) and there took coach and away home. They carry me to London and set me down at the Temple [Map], where my mind changed and I home, and to writing and heare my boy play on the lute, and a turne with my wife pleasantly in the garden by moonshine, my heart being in great peace, and so home to supper and to bed. The King [aged 35] and Duke [aged 32] are to go to-morrow to Audly End [Map], in order to the seeing and buying of it of my Lord Suffolke [aged 47].
On 4th March 1667 [his son-in-law] Edward Griffin 1st Baron Griffin [aged 16] and Essex Howard Baroness Griffin were married. She the daughter of James Howard 3rd Earl Suffolk [aged 48] and Susannah Rich Countess Suffolk.
Before 1670 [his brother] Henry Howard 5th Earl Suffolk [aged 42] and [his sister-in-law] Mary Stewart [aged 29] were married. He the son of [his father] Theophilus Howard 2nd Earl Suffolk and [his mother] Elizabeth Home Countess Suffolk.
Before 18th December 1676 [his son-in-law] Thomas Felton 4th Baronet [aged 27] and Elizabeth Howard Lady Felton were married. She by marriage Lady Felton of Playford in Suffolk. She the daughter of James Howard 3rd Earl Suffolk [aged 57] and Barbara Villiers Countess Suffolk [aged 54]. They were fifth cousins.
On 13th December 1680 [his wife] Barbara Villiers Countess Suffolk [aged 58] died.
In 1681 [his daughter] Elizabeth Howard Lady Felton died.
Before 8th May 1682 James Howard 3rd Earl Suffolk [aged 63] and Anne Montagu Countess Suffolk [aged 15] were married. She by marriage Countess Suffolk. The difference in their ages was 47 years. She the daughter of Robert Montagu 3rd Earl Manchester [aged 48] and Anne Yelverton Countess Manchester [aged 52]. He the son of Theophilus Howard 2nd Earl Suffolk and Elizabeth Home Countess Suffolk.
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.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
After 10th May 1682 [his brother] Henry Howard 5th Earl Suffolk [aged 54] and [his sister-in-law] Mary Ronkswood were married. He the son of [his father] Theophilus Howard 2nd Earl Suffolk and [his mother] Elizabeth Home Countess Suffolk.
On 14th March 1683 [his father-in-law] Robert Montagu 3rd Earl Manchester [aged 48] died. His son [his brother-in-law] Charles [aged 21] succeeded 4th Earl Manchester, 4th Viscount Mandeville, 4th Baron Montagu of Kimbolton.
In March 1685 Captain Robert Stewart 6th Baron Castle Stuart died. His son Andrew [aged 13] de jure 7th Baron Castle Stuart of County Tyrone althougvh he didn't claim the title since the ancestrals lands had been given away as part of the dowry when [his former sister-in-law] Mary Stewart married [his brother] Henry Howard 5th Earl Suffolk [aged 57].
Around 1686 [his brother] George Howard 4th Earl Suffolk [aged 60] and [his sister-in-law] Anne "Mary" Wroth Countess Suffolk were married. He the son of [his father] Theophilus Howard 2nd Earl Suffolk and [his mother] Elizabeth Home Countess Suffolk.
On 7th January 1689 James Howard 3rd Earl Suffolk [aged 69] died at Great Chesterford. He was buried at Waldon Priory and Abbey [Map]. Baron Howard de Walden abeyant. His brother George [aged 63] succeeded 4th Earl Suffolk. Anne "Mary" Wroth Countess Suffolk by marriage Countess Suffolk.
John Evelyn's Diary. 11th March 1705. An exceedingly dry season. Great loss by fire, burning the outhouses and famous stable of the Earl of Nottingham [aged 57], at Burleigh [Rutlandshire], full of rich goods and furniture, by the carelessness of a servant. A little before, the same happened at Lord Pembroke's [aged 49], at Wilton. The old Countess of Northumberland [aged 82], Dowager of Algernon Percy, Admiral of the fleet to King Charles I., died in the 83d year of her age. She was sister to the Earl of Suffolk, and left a great estate, her jointure to descend to the Duke of Somerset [aged 42].
In 1720 [his former wife] Anne Montagu Countess Suffolk [aged 53] died.
Before 1744 Enoch "The Younger" Seeman [aged 49]. Portrait of James Howard 3rd Earl Suffolk.
[his daughter] Essex Howard Baroness Griffin was born to James Howard 3rd Earl Suffolk and Susannah Rich Countess Suffolk. She married 4th March 1667 Edward Griffin 1st Baron Griffin and had issue.
[his daughter] Elizabeth Howard Lady Felton was born to James Howard 3rd Earl Suffolk and Barbara Villiers Countess Suffolk. She married before 18th December 1676 her fifth cousin Thomas Felton 4th Baronet, son of Henry Felton 2nd Baronet and Susanna Tollemache Lady Felton, and had issue.
Kings Wessex: Great x 18 Grand Son of King Edmund "Ironside" I of England
Kings Gwynedd: Great x 15 Grand Son of Owain "Great" King Gwynedd
Kings Seisyllwg: Great x 21 Grand Son of Hywel "Dda aka Good" King Seisyllwg King Deheubarth
Kings Powys: Great x 16 Grand Son of Maredudd ap Bleddyn King Powys
Kings Godwinson: Great x 19 Grand Son of King Harold II of England
Kings England: Great x 9 Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Kings Scotland: Great x 17 Grand Son of King Duncan I of Scotland
Kings Franks: Great x 24 Grand Son of Charles "Charlemagne aka Great" King of the Franks King Lombardy Holy Roman Emperor
Kings France: Great x 19 Grand Son of Hugh I King of the Franks
Kings Duke Aquitaine: Great x 22 Grand Son of Ranulf I Duke Aquitaine
Great x 4 Grandfather: Thomas Howard 2nd Duke of Norfolk 
5 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: Thomas Howard 3rd Duke of Norfolk 6 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Tilney Countess of Surrey 
8 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England
Great x 2 Grandfather: Henry Howard Earl of Surrey 6 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Edward Stafford 3rd Duke of Buckingham 
4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Elizabeth Stafford Duchess Norfolk 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Eleanor Percy Duchess Buckingham 4 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 1 Grandfather: Thomas Howard 4th Duke of Norfolk 7 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: John de Vere 
4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: John de Vere 15th Earl of Oxford 5 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Alice Colbroke
Great x 2 Grandmother: Frances Vere Countess of Surrey 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Edward Trussell
Great x 3 Grandmother: Elizabeth Trussell Countess of Oxford 11 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Margaret Donne 10 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England
GrandFather: Thomas Howard 1st Earl Suffolk 7 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Ralph Audley 
Great x 3 Grandfather: Geoffrey Audley
Great x 2 Grandfather: Thomas Audley 1st Baron Audley Walden
Great x 1 Grandmother: Margaret Audley Duchess Norfolk 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Thomas Grey 1st Marquess Dorset 
6 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: Thomas Grey 2nd Marquess Dorset 4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Cecily Bonville Marchioness Dorset 
3 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 2 Grandmother: Elizabeth Grey Baroness Audley 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Robert Wotton of Boughton Malherbe 
Great x 3 Grandmother: Margaret Wotton Marchioness Dorset
Great x 4 Grandmother: Anne Belknap
Father: Theophilus Howard 2nd Earl Suffolk 8 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Edmund Knyvet 
8 x Great Grand Son of King John of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: Thomas Knyvet 9 x Great Grand Son of King John of England
Great x 2 Grandfather: Henry Knyvet of Charlton Wiltshire 7 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Thomas Howard 2nd Duke of Norfolk 5 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Muriel Howard Viscountess Lisle 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Tilney Countess of Surrey 8 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England
Great x 1 Grandfather: Henry Knyvet 8 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: James Pickering 5 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: Christopher Pickering 6 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 2 Grandmother: Anne Pickering 7 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Roger Lewknor
Great x 3 Grandmother: Jane Lewknor 7 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry III of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Eleanor Tuchet 
6 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry III of England
GrandMother: Catherine Knyvet Countess Suffolk 9 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England
Great x 1 Grandmother: Elizabeth Stumpe
James Howard 3rd Earl Suffolk 9 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: David Home
Great x 3 Grandfather: George Home
Great x 2 Grandfather: David Home
Great x 1 Grandfather: Alexander Manderston Home
GrandFather: George Home 1st Earl Dunbar
Mother: Elizabeth Home Countess Suffolk 15 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: George Gordon 2nd Earl Huntley 10 x Great Grand Son of King John of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: William Gordon of 1st of Gight 11 x Great Grand Son of King John of England
Great x 2 Grandfather: James Gordon 2nd of Gight 12 x Great Grand Son of King John of England
Great x 1 Grandfather: Alexander Gordon 3rd of Gight 13 x Great Grand Son of King John of England
GrandMother: Elizabeth Gordon Countess Dunbar 14 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England
Great x 2 Grandfather: Cardinal David Beaton
Great x 1 Grandmother: Agnes Beaton
Great x 3 Grandfather: James Ogilvy
Great x 2 Grandmother: Marion Ogilvy
Great x 3 Grandmother: Janet Lyle