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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Belvoir Priory, Leicestershire, North-Central England, British Isles [Map]

Belvoir Priory is in Belvoir, Leicestershire, Priories in England.

Between 1076 and 1088 Robert de Todeni and his wife founded Belvoir Priory [Map] as a Priory of St Alban's Abbey [Map].

In 1088 Robert de Todeni died. He was buried at his foundation Belvoir Priory [Map].

Around 1155 William Brito de Albini died at Belvoir Castle [Map]. He was buried at Belvoir Priory [Map]. His son William Meschines Brito de Albini (age 25) inherited Belvoir Castle [Map].

On 6th May 1236 William de Albini (age 85) died at Uffington, Leicestershire. His remains were buried at Newstead Abbey, Nottinghamshire [Map] with his heart being buried at Belvoir Priory [Map].

After 1st September 1414 William Ros 6th Baron Ros Helmsley (deceased) was buried at Belvoir Priory [Map]. At the dissolution of the monasteries his monument was moved to the Chancel of St Mary the Virgin Church, Bottesford, Leicestershire [Map] on the right side of the High Altar. Alabaster Monument of the Camail and Jupon Period. Possibly Sutton and Prentys.

Detail of the Ros Family Peacock Crest surmounting his Great Helm.

Detail of decorated Orle and Vervelle Cover.

Detail of Lancastrian Esses Collar and face. Note the twisted moustache that is frequently seen on Sutton and Prentys monuments. The fixing of the Esses Collar to the Camail using a small trefoil.

After 22nd March 1421 John Ros 7th Baron Ros Helmsley (deceased) was buried at Belvoir Priory [Map]. His remains and monument were subsequently relocated to the Chancel of St Mary the Virgin Church, Bottesford, Leicestershire [Map]. Early Plate Bascinet Period.

John Ros 7th Baron Ros Helmsley: Around 1397 he was born to William Ros 6th Baron Ros Helmsley and Margaret Fitzalan Baroness Ros of Helmsley. He a great x 4 grandson of King Henry III of England. On 1st September 1414 William Ros 6th Baron Ros Helmsley died. His son John succeeded 7th Baron Ros Helmsley. Before 22nd March 1421 John Ros 7th Baron Ros Helmsley and Margery Despencer 3rd Baroness Despencer, Baroness Ros were married. She by marriage Baroness Ros Helmsley. They were third cousins. He a great x 4 grandson of King Henry III of England.

Detail of Lancastrian Esses Collar and the trefoil fixing holding the Lancastrian Esses Collar to the bottom of the Camail.

Detail of the Ros Peacock Crest which surmounted his Great Helm; only the feet remain.

Detail of the Spaulder and Besagew with some early graffiti.

Detail of the Hourglass Gauntlets and graffiti.