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.
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Before 16th November 1781 [his father] Reverend James Hodgson (age 32) and [his mother] Jane Coke (age 27) were married.
On 16th November 1781 Reverend Francis Hodgson was born to [his father] Reverend James Hodgson (age 32) and [his mother] Jane Coke (age 27). He was educated at Whitgift School, before proceeding to Eton College [Map] as a King's Scholar, and then as a Scholar to King's College, Cambridge University [Map].
In 1790 [his mother] Jane Coke (age 36) died.
In 1806 Reverend Francis Hodgson (age 24) was appointed Assistant Master at Eton College [Map] which position he resigned after a year to become a resident tutor and Fellow at King's College, Cambridge University [Map]. It was there that he met and formed a lifelong friendship with the poet Lord Byron (age 17), who was at that time an undergraduate at Trinity College [Map]. Their friendship is recorded in the many letters between them that have been published in biographies of Byron.
In 1810 [his father] Reverend James Hodgson (age 61) died.
In 1813 Reverend Francis Hodgson (age 31) wished to marry [his future wife] Susanna Matilda Tayler (age 21) (sister-in-law of Henry Drury, master at Harrow School). However Susanna's mother objected to her daughter marrying Hodgson, due to his association with the infamous Byron. Her objection was overcome by Byron himself, who drove with Hodgson in a post-chaise from London to Oxford to plead the cause of his friend with Susanna's uncle Charles Henry Hall, Dean of Christ Church, Oxford.
In 1815 Reverend Francis Hodgson (age 33) and Susanna Matilda Tayler (age 23) were married.
In 1816 Reverend Francis Hodgson (age 34) was appointed Vicar of All Saint's Church, Bakewell, Derbyshire [Map] which office he held until 1840.
On 6th October 1833 [his wife] Susanna Matilda Tayler (age 42) died at Lower Moor, Eardisley.
In 1838 Reverend Francis Hodgson (age 56) and Eliza Denman were married.
Adam Murimuth's Continuation and Robert of Avesbury’s 'The Wonderful Deeds of King Edward III'
This volume brings together two of the most important contemporary chronicles for the reign of Edward III and the opening phases of the Hundred Years’ War. Written in Latin by English clerical observers, these texts provide a vivid and authoritative window into the political, diplomatic, and military history of fourteenth-century England and its continental ambitions. Adam Murimuth Continuatio's Chronicarum continues an earlier chronicle into the mid-fourteenth century, offering concise but valuable notices on royal policy, foreign relations, and ecclesiastical affairs. Its annalistic structure makes it especially useful for establishing chronology and tracing the development of events year by year. Complementing it, Robert of Avesbury’s De gestis mirabilibus regis Edwardi tertii is a rich documentary chronicle preserving letters, treaties, and official records alongside narrative passages. It is an indispensable source for understanding Edward III’s claim to the French crown, the conduct of war, and the mechanisms of medieval diplomacy. Together, these works offer scholars, students, and enthusiasts a reliable and unembellished account of a transformative period in English and European history. Essential for anyone interested in medieval chronicles, the Hundred Years’ War, or the reign of Edward III.
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In March 1840 Reverend Francis Hodgson (age 58) returned to Eton, having been nominated to be Provost by the Queen on the advice of Prime Minister Lord Melbourne. The Fellows of Eton, however, rejected his nomination on the basis that Hodgson was not a Doctor of Divinity, a qualification that had always previously been required for the post. They instead elected John Lonsdale, but when Lonsdale became aware of the situation, he stood down in favour of Hodgson.
After 1852. Church of St Mary Magdalene, Eardisley [Map]. Memorial to Reverend Francis Hodgson (age 70).
Before 29th December 1852 Reverend Francis Hodgson (age 71) was appointed Archdeacon of Derby.
On 29th December 1852 Reverend Francis Hodgson (age 71) died at the Provost's Lodge, Eton College. He was buried at Eton College Chapel [Map].
Father: Reverend James Hodgson
Great x 4 Grandfather: Bishop George Coke
Great x 3 Grandfather: William Coke
Great x 2 Grandfather: Francis Coke
Great x 1 Grandfather: George Coke
GrandFather: Richard Coke
Mother: Jane Coke