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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Paternal Family Tree: Townshend
In or before 1425 [his father] John Townshend and [his mother] Joan Lunsford were married.
Around 1425 Roger Townshend was born to [his father] John Townshend and [his mother] Joan Lunsford.
In 1461 Roger Townshend (age 36) was elected Governor of Lincoln's Inn.
In 1465 [his father] John Townshend died.
In 1467 Roger Townshend (age 42) was elected MP Bramber.
In 1468 Roger Townshend (age 43) was elected Reader of Lincoln's Inn.
In 1469 Roger Townshend (age 44) bought numerous holdings in Norfolk from Sir John Paston (age 27), his client who owed him a considerable sum.
In 1472 Roger Townshend (age 47) was elected MP Calne.
In or before 1477 Roger Townshend (age 51) and Eleanor Lunsford were married.
William of Worcester's Chronicle of England
William of Worcester, born around 1415, and died around 1482 was secretary to John Fastolf, the renowned soldier of the Hundred Years War, during which time he collected documents, letters, and wrote a record of events. Following their return to England in 1440 William was witness to major events. Twice in his chronicle he uses the first person: 1. when writing about the murder of Thomas, 7th Baron Scales, in 1460, he writes '… and I saw him lying naked in the cemetery near the porch of the church of St. Mary Overie in Southwark …' and 2. describing King Edward IV's entry into London in 1461 he writes '… proclaimed that all the people themselves were to recognize and acknowledge Edward as king. I was present and heard this, and immediately went down with them into the city'. William’s Chronicle is rich in detail. It is the source of much information about the Wars of the Roses, including the term 'Diabolical Marriage' to describe the marriage of Queen Elizabeth Woodville’s brother John’s marriage to Katherine, Dowager Duchess of Norfolk, he aged twenty, she sixty-five or more, and the story about a paper crown being placed in mockery on the severed head of Richard, 3rd Duke of York.
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In 1478 Roger Townshend (age 53) was appointed Serjeant at Law.
Around 1478 [his son] Roger Townshend was born to Roger Townshend (age 53) and [his wife] Eleanor Lunsford at Raynham, Norfolk [Map]. He married 1500 Anne de Brewse aka Braose and had issue.
In 1481 Roger Townshend (age 56) was appointed King's Serjeant.
In 1483 Roger Townshend (age 58) was appointed Third Justice of the Common Pleas followin the promotion of John Catesby (age 50) [presumably to Second Justice of the Common Pleas].
In 1484 Roger Townshend (age 59) was appointed Second Justice of the Common Pleas after the death of John Catesby (age 51).
In 1486 Roger Townshend (age 61) was knighted at Worcester, Worcestershire [Map].
On 9th November 1493 Roger Townshend (age 68) died. He had mide his will on 14th August 1493.
After 9th November 1493. Memorial at the Church of St Mary, East Raynham [Map] to Roger Townshend (deceased), his wife [his former wife] Eleanor Lunsford and his father [his father] John Townshend.
On 5th September 1500 [his former wife] Eleanor Lunsford died.
Father: John Townshend 
GrandFather: Robert Lunsford of Romford in Essex
Mother: Joan Lunsford