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 or before 1698 [his step-father] John Major and [his mother] Elizabeth Tennant were married.
On 17th May 1698 John Major 1st Baronet was born to [his step-father] John Major and [his mother] Elizabeth Tennant at Bridlington.
In 1709 [his step-father] John Major died at sea.
In 1724 John Major 1st Baronet (age 25) and Elizabeth Dale were married.
In 1731 [his daughter] Elizabeth Major Duchess of Chandos was born to John Major 1st Baronet (age 32) and [his wife] Elizabeth Dale. She married 1767 Henry Brydges 2nd Duke Chandos, son of James Brydges 1st Duke Chandos and Mary Lake.
In 1747 [his son-in-law] John Henniker 1st Baron Henniker (age 22) and [his daughter] Anne Major Baroness Henniker were married.
In 1755 John Major 1st Baronet (age 56) was appointed High Sheriff of Sussex.
In 1761 John Major 1st Baronet (age 62) was elected unopposed MP Scarborough which set he held until 1768 when he was defeated. He did not stand for Parliament again.
On 5th May 1765 John Major 1st Baronet (age 66) was created 1st Baronet Major of Worlingsworth Hall in Suffolk with a special remainder to his son-in-law [his son-in-law] John Henniker 1st Baron Henniker (age 40).
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 1767 [his son-in-law] Henry Brydges 2nd Duke Chandos (age 58) and [his daughter] Elizabeth Major Duchess of Chandos (age 36) were married. She by marriage Duchess Chandos. The difference in their ages was 22 years. He the son of James Brydges 1st Duke Chandos and Mary Lake.
In 1780 [his wife] Elizabeth Dale died.
Before 22nd February 1781 John Major 1st Baronet (age 82) was appointed Director of the South Sea Company.
On 22nd February 1781 John Major 1st Baronet (age 82) died. His son-in-law [his son-in-law] John Henniker 1st Baron Henniker (age 56) succeeded 2nd Baronet Major of Worlingsworth Hall in Suffolk in accordance with the special remainder added at the creation.
[his daughter] Anne Major Baroness Henniker was born to John Major 1st Baronet and Elizabeth Dale. She married 1747 John Henniker 1st Baron Henniker and had issue.
Father: John Major
GrandFather: Reverend Richard Tennant 
Mother: Elizabeth Tennant