Around 1537 John Bridgeman was born.
In June 1582 John Bridgeman (age 45) matriculated Magdalen College, Oxford University.
In June 1591 John Bridgeman (age 54) was admitted to the Inner Temple.
Around 1595 John Bridgeman (age 58) and Frances Daunt (age 17) were married at Owlpen, Gloucestershire. The difference in their ages was 41 years.
In 1607 [his son] George Bridgeman was born to John Bridgeman (age 70) and [his wife] Frances Daunt (age 29). He married on or after 27th July 1631 Hevenham Pytts.
In 1613 John Bridgeman (age 76) purchased the manor of Nympsfield, Gloucestershire with Luke Garnon.
In 1615 John Bridgeman (age 78) was appointed a Bencher of the Inner Temple.
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.
In 1622 John Bridgeman (age 85) served as Counsel for Exeter, Devon [Map].
On 30th June 1623 John Bridgeman (age 86) was appointed to the Council of the Marches.
In October 1623 John Bridgeman (age 86) was appointed Serjeant at Law.
In February 1626 John Bridgeman (age 89) was appointed Chief Justice of Chester.
In February 1626 John Bridgeman (age 89) and his son [his son] George Bridgeman (age 19) purchased Prinknash, Gloucestershire.
18th April 1626.... that.... shall take 2 or 3 of the Charters heretofore grannted to this corporation and travell with them to the right worshipful Sir John Bridgman (age 89), chief justice of Chester to crave his advise for reforming of such defects as are or shalbe found in the same. (To be allowed their charges.) Sir John Bridgman, chief Justice of Chester is elected Recorder of this towne of Ludlowe.
12th July 1626. John Ruth plumber appointed to keep the conduits…..the Bailiffs 'are desired to send for the church wardens to thend the sayd Ruth may have the glazing of the Church where the kinges service of the watch hath bin much neglected by the xii and xxv. It is at this day ordered that every one of the xii and xxv upon lawfull summons given shall appear in person and in person serve unlesse he be such as by lawe ought to be discharged and every one making default shall forfect xii to the use of the poore of this Towne.
Shops in Shambles to be let to Country butchers. If all shops not so let these be let to strangers. Otherwise to towne butchers. If Country butchers refuse to take leases then Mr Bailieffs to hang lockes upon the dores.
Ordered that Mr Baylieffs shall call before them the Surveyors of the high wayes and all that keepe carts within this Towne and to take such order with them for the amending of the streets within this towne as they in their discretions shall thinke good and to bind such as refuse to the next Quarter sessions.
Mr Baylieffs (calling unto them the Church Wardens and Sidemen of the parish) shall cause a sufficient grannt to be entred for the repayring of the chamber over the Church [Map] porch on the South side to be made a sufficient place for a librarie, according to the Lord Bishoppes (Hereford?) grannt and desire.
.... the Bucke given by Sir John Bridgman (age 89) Knight shall be eaten on the coste of the corporation so that the charges exceede not five markes.
On or after 27th July 1631, the date of the settlement, [his son] George Bridgeman (age 24) and [his daughter-in-law] Hevenham Pytts were married.
20th March 1635.... Deputation to see the Recorder, Sir John Bridgman (age 98), 'for this opinion concerninge the yeldinge possession of the moitie of the three Mills to the Kings Majestie and the Rentor to disburse xxs for his fee.
On 5th February 1638 John Bridgeman died.
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.
After 5th February 1638 John Bridgeman (deceased) was buried at St Laurence's Church, Ludlow [Map]. The monument is most convincingly attributed to the workshop of the tomb maker Samuel Baldwin of Bristol although some source suggest Francesco Fanelli (age 48); the carving reflects the Italian-influenced innovations of London tombmakers: the figures have naturalistic features and there are skilfully carved drapery and garlands. The monument was commissioned by his wife [his former wife] Frances Daunt (age 60); Bridgeman's will entrusted her to create a monument as she thought fit.
Frances Daunt: Around 1578 she was born to Henry Daunt of Owlpen, Gloucestershire. Around 1595 John Bridgeman and she were married at Owlpen, Gloucestershire. The difference in their ages was 41 years. In January 1656 she died.
In January 1656 [his former wife] Frances Daunt (age 78) died.