Chronicle of Walter of Guisborough
A canon regular of the Augustinian Guisborough Priory, Yorkshire, formerly known as The Chronicle of Walter of Hemingburgh, describes the period from 1066 to 1346. Before 1274 the Chronicle is based on other works. Thereafter, the Chronicle is original, and a remarkable source for the events of the time. This book provides a translation of the Chronicle from that date. The Latin source for our translation is the 1849 work edited by Hans Claude Hamilton. Hamilton, in his preface, says: 'In the present work we behold perhaps one of the finest samples of our early chronicles, both as regards the value of the events recorded, and the correctness with which they are detailed; Nor will the pleasing style of composition be lightly passed over by those capable of seeing reflected from it the tokens of a vigorous and cultivated mind, and a favourable specimen of the learning and taste of the age in which it was framed.'
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In 1556 Margaret Clitherow née Middleton was born.
Before 1574 John Clitherow and Margaret Clitherow née Middleton (age 17) were married. They lived at 10-11 The Shambles, York.
In 1577 Margaret Clitherow née Middleton (age 21) was imprisoned for failing to attend Church.
On 25th March 1586 Margaret Clitherow née Middleton (age 30) was crushed to death near the Toll Booth on Ouse Bridge, York for refusing to enter a plea to the charge of harbouring Catholic priests.
The Life of Margaret Clitherow by John Mush Chapter 20. The place of execution was the tollbooth [on Ouse Bridge, York], six or seven yards distant from the prison. There were present at her [Margaret Clitherow née Middleton (age 30)] martyrdom the two sheriffs of York, Fawcet and Gibson, Frost, a minister. Fox, Mr. Cheeke's kinsman, with another of his men, the four sergeants, which had hired certain beggars to do the murther, three or four men, and four women.
The coming to the place, kneeled her down, and prayed to herself. The tormentors bade her pray with them, and they would pray with her. The martyr denied, and said, "I will not pray with you, and you shall not pray with me; neither will I say Amen to your prayers, nor shall you to mine." Then they willed her to pray for the Queen's majesty. The martyr began in this order. First, in the hearing of them all, she prayed for the Catholic Church, then for the Pope's Holiness, Cardinals, and other Fathers which have charge of souls, and then for all Christian princes. At which words the tormentors interrupted her, and willed her not to put her majesty among that company; yet the martyr proceeded in this order, "and especially for Elizabeth, Queen of England, that God turn her to the Catholic faith, and that after this mortal life she may receive the blessed joys of heaven. For I wish as much good," quoth she, "to her majesty's soul as to mine own." Sheriff Gibson, abhorring the cruel fact, stood weeping at the door. Then said Fawcet, "Mrs. Clitherow, you must remember and confess that you die for treason." The martyr answered, "No, no, Mr. Sheriff, I die for the love of m.y Lord Jesu; ' which last words she spake with a loud voice.
On 15th December 1929 Margaret Clitherow née Middleton was beatified by Pope Pius XI.
On 25th October 1970 Margaret Clitherow née Middleton was canonised.