Chronicle of a Bourgeois of Valenciennes
Récits d’un bourgeois de Valenciennes aka The Chronicle of a Bourgeois of Valenciennes is a vivid 14th-century vernacular chronicle written by an anonymous urban chronicler from Valenciennes in the County of Hainaut. It survives in a manuscript that describes local and regional history from about 1253 to 1366, blending chronology, narrative episodes, and eyewitness-style accounts of political, military, and social events in medieval France, Flanders, and the Low Countries. The work begins with a chronological framework of events affecting Valenciennes and its region under rulers such as King Philip VI of France and the shifting allegiances of local nobility. It includes accounts of conflicts, sieges, diplomatic manoeuvres, and the impact of broader struggles like the Hundred Years’ War on urban life in Hainaut. Written from the perspective of a burgher (bourgeois) rather than a monastery or royal court, the chronicle offers a rare lay viewpoint on high politics and warfare, reflecting how merchants, townspeople, and civic institutions experienced the turbulence of the 13th and 14th centuries. Its narrative style combines straightforward reporting of events with moral and civic observations, making it a valuable source for readers interested in medieval urban society, regional politics, and the lived experience of war and governance in pre-modern Europe.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
Paternal Family Tree: Hussey
In or before 1443 [his father] John Hussey [aged 25] and [his mother] Elizabeth Nesfield were married.
Around 1443 [his father] John Hussey [aged 26] died.
In 1443 William Hussey was born to John Hussey [aged 26] and Elizabeth Nesfield.
In 1465 [his son] John Hussey 1st Baron Hussey of Sleaford was born to William Hussey [aged 22] and [his future wife] Elizabeth Berkeley [aged 12] at Sleaford, Lincolnshire. He married (1) 1492 Margaret Blount and had issue (2) 1509 Anne Grey Baroness Hussey Sleaford, daughter of George Grey 2nd Earl Kent and Katherine Herbert Countess Kent, and had issue.
Around 1467 [his son] Robert Hussey was born to William Hussey [aged 24] and [his future wife] Elizabeth Berkeley [aged 14]. He married (1) Jane Stydolf and had issue (2) Anne Saye and had issue.
On 16th June 1471 William Hussey [aged 28] was appointed Attorney General.
In or before 1472 [his son] William Hussey was born to William Hussey [aged 28] and [his future wife] Elizabeth Berkeley [aged 18]. He married before August 1503 Anne Salvaine and had issue.
Around 1474 William Hussey [aged 31] and Elizabeth Berkeley [aged 21] were married.
On 18th February 1478 George York 1st Duke of Clarence [aged 28] was drowned in a butt of wine (Malmsey) wine in the Bowyer Tower in the Tower of London [Map]. "in a butt of Malmsey wine" may refer to 1. a butt full of Malmsey wine or 2. a butt that once contained Malmsey wine that was subsequently re-used for another purpose such as washing or bathing.
William Hussey [aged 35] conducted the impeachment of the Duke of Clarence for treason.
Richard, Duke of Gloucester [aged 25] succeeded 2nd Earl Richmond.
The only other person known to have been executed, or ritually killed, by drowning in a butt of wine is Muirchertach mac Muiredaig High King of Ireland (as reported by the Annals of Ulster) in his case at Newgrange Passage Tomb [Map].
Around May 1478 William Hussey [aged 35] was appointed Serjeant at Law.
On 7th May 1481 William Hussey [aged 38] was appointed Chief Justice of the King's Bench.
In 1484 [his daughter] Mary Hussey Baroness Willoughby of Eresby was born to William Hussey [aged 41] and [his wife] Elizabeth Berkeley [aged 31]. She married before 5th June 1516 William Willoughby 11th Baron Willoughby, son of Christopher Willoughby 10th Baron Willoughby and Margaret Jenney Baroness Willoughby of Eresby.
Chronicle of a Bourgeois of Valenciennes
Récits d’un bourgeois de Valenciennes aka The Chronicle of a Bourgeois of Valenciennes is a vivid 14th-century vernacular chronicle written by an anonymous urban chronicler from Valenciennes in the County of Hainaut. It survives in a manuscript that describes local and regional history from about 1253 to 1366, blending chronology, narrative episodes, and eyewitness-style accounts of political, military, and social events in medieval France, Flanders, and the Low Countries. The work begins with a chronological framework of events affecting Valenciennes and its region under rulers such as King Philip VI of France and the shifting allegiances of local nobility. It includes accounts of conflicts, sieges, diplomatic manoeuvres, and the impact of broader struggles like the Hundred Years’ War on urban life in Hainaut. Written from the perspective of a burgher (bourgeois) rather than a monastery or royal court, the chronicle offers a rare lay viewpoint on high politics and warfare, reflecting how merchants, townspeople, and civic institutions experienced the turbulence of the 13th and 14th centuries. Its narrative style combines straightforward reporting of events with moral and civic observations, making it a valuable source for readers interested in medieval urban society, regional politics, and the lived experience of war and governance in pre-modern Europe.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
Around 1492 [his son] John Hussey 1st Baron Hussey of Sleaford [aged 27] and [his daughter-in-law] Margaret Blount [aged 17] were married at Keynsham, Gloucestershire [Map].
On 8th September 1495 William Hussey [aged 52] died.
In 1504 [his former wife] Elizabeth Berkeley [aged 51] died.
[his daughter] Elizabeth Hussey Countess Kent was born to William Hussey and Elizabeth Berkeley. She married before 19th November 1516 Richard Grey 3rd Earl Kent, son of George Grey 2nd Earl Kent and Anne Woodville Viscountess Bourchier.