Abbot John Whethamstede’s Chronicle of the Abbey of St Albans
Abbot John Whethamstede's Register aka Chronicle of his second term at the Abbey of St Albans, 1451-1461, is a remarkable text that describes his first-hand experience of the beginning of the Wars of the Roses including the First and Second Battles of St Albans, 1455 and 1461, respectively, their cause, and their consequences, not least on the Abbey itself. His text also includes Loveday, Blore Heath, Northampton, the Act of Accord, Wakefield, and Towton, and ends with the Coronation of King Edward IV. In addition to the events of the Wars of the Roses, Abbot John, or his scribes who wrote the Chronicle, include details in the life of the Abbey such as charters, letters, land exchanges, visits by legates, and disputes, which provide a rich insight into the day-to-day life of the Abbey, and the challenges faced by its Abbot.
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Paternal Family Tree: Reade
In March 1598 [his father] Thomas Reade (age 23) and [his mother] Mary Brocket were married.
Around 1616 John Reade 1st Baronet was born to [his father] Thomas Reade (age 41) and [his mother] Mary Brocket.
On 2nd January 1640 John Reade 1st Baronet (age 24) and Susanna Style Lady Reade were married.
On 12th March 1642 John Reade 1st Baronet (age 26) was knighted by King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 11) at Newmarket, Suffolk.
On 16th March 1642 John Reade 1st Baronet (age 26) was created 1st Baronet Reade of Brocket Hall in Hertfordshire. [his wife] Susanna Style Lady Reade by marriage Lady Reade of Brocket Hall in Hertfordshire.
In November 1650 John Reade 1st Baronet (age 34) was appointed Commissioner for Hertfordshire.
Before 20th December 1650 [his father] Thomas Reade (age 75) died.
In 1655 John Reade 1st Baronet (age 39) was appointed High Sheriff of Hertfordshire.
On 5th March 1655 [his son] James Reade 2nd Baronet was born to John Reade 1st Baronet (age 39) and [his wife] Susanna Style Lady Reade. He was baptised on 10th March 1655 at St Etheldreda's Church, Hatfield [Map]. He married 26th January 1690 Love Dring Lady Reade and had issue.
Henrici Quinti, Angliæ Regis, Gesta, is a first-hand account of the Agincourt Campaign, and subsequent events to his death in 1422. The author of the first part was a Chaplain in King Henry's retinue who was present from King Henry's departure at Southampton in 1415, at the siege of Harfleur, the battle of Agincourt, and the celebrations on King Henry's return to London. The second part, by another writer, relates the events that took place including the negotiations at Troye, Henry's marriage and his death in 1422.
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On 25th June 1656 John Reade 1st Baronet (age 40) was recreated Baronet Reade of Brocket Hall in Hertfordshire by Oliver Cromwell (age 57) since the earlier creation was not recognised.
Around 15th May 1657 [his wife] Susanna Style Lady Reade died.
On 15th January 1663 John Reade 1st Baronet (age 47) and "Lady Alisimon" were married at St Nicholas Acons Church. She the widow of Francis Pierrepont.
Before 1671 [his brother-in-law] Gilbert Cornwall 13th Baron Burford (age 72) and [his sister] Elizabeth Reade Baroness Burford were married. She by marriage Baroness Burford of Burford in Shropshire.
On 21st December 1671 [his sister] Elizabeth Reade Baroness Burford died.
In 1673 John Reade 1st Baronet (age 57) was appointed High Sheriff of Hertfordshire.
On 26th January 1690 [his son] James Reade 2nd Baronet (age 34) and [his daughter-in-law] Love Dring Lady Reade (age 35) were married. She brought a dowry of £10,000. They had one son and five daughters.
On 3rd February 1694 John Reade 1st Baronet (age 78) died. He was buried on 6th February 1694 in the Brocket Chapel at St Etheldreda's Church, Hatfield [Map]. His son James (age 38) succeeded 2nd Baronet Reade of Brocket Hall in Hertfordshire. [his daughter-in-law] Love Dring Lady Reade (age 39) by marriage Lady Reade of Brocket Hall in Hertfordshire.
Father: Thomas Reade
Great x 1 Grandfather: John Brocket
GrandFather: John Brocket
Mother: Mary Brocket
Great x 1 Grandfather: Robert Lytton of Knebworth
GrandMother: Helen Lytton