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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Biography of Willam Humphreys 1st Baronet -1735

Willam Humphreys 1st Baronet was born to [his father] Nathaniel Humfreys of Candlewick Street in London.

On Willam Humphreys 1st Baronet married Ellen, the widow of Colonel Robert Lancashire of London, at Knightsbridge Chapel.

In 1704 Willam Humphreys 1st Baronet was appointed Sheriff of London.

Before 19th August 1704 Willam Humphreys 1st Baronet and Margaret Wintour were married.

On or before 19th August 1704 [his son] Orlando Humphreys 2nd Baronet was born to Willam Humphreys 1st Baronet and [his wife] Margaret Wintour. He married before 1736 Ellen Lancashire and had issue.

On 19th August 1704 [his wife] Margaret Wintour died. She was buried at St Mildred's Church, Poultry [Map].

On 26th October 1704 Willam Humphreys 1st Baronet was knighted.

On 29th July 1707 Willam Humphreys 1st Baronet was elected Alderman of Cheap ward.

In 1714 Willam Humphreys 1st Baronet was appointed Lord Mayor of London.

Coronation George I

On 20th October 1714 King George I (age 54) was crowned I King Great Britain and Ireland at Westminster Abbey [Map] by Archbishop Thomas Tenison (age 78).

Charles Fitzroy 2nd Duke Grafton (age 30) was appointed Lord High Steward.

Willam Humphreys 1st Baronet officiated in his capacity of Lord Mayor of London, entertaining the King and his court at Guildhall

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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On 30th November 1714 Willam Humphreys 1st Baronet was created 1st Baronet Humphreys of London.

In 1715 Willam Humphreys 1st Baronet was elected MP Marlborough which seat he held until 1722.

In 1719 Willam Humphreys 1st Baronet was appointed Director of the Bank of England which office he held at various times until 1730.

On 25th January 1733 Willam Humphreys 1st Baronet was elected Alderman of Bridge Without ward.

On 26th October 1735 Willam Humphreys 1st Baronet died. He was buried at St Mildred's Church, Poultry [Map]. His son Orlando (age 31) succeeded 2nd Baronet Humphreys of London.

Ancestors of Willam Humphreys 1st Baronet -1735

GrandFather: William ap Humfrey of Penrhyn in Montgomeryshire

Father: Nathaniel Humfreys of Candlewick Street in London

Willam Humphreys 1st Baronet