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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.
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Birling, Kent is in Kent.
On 20th November 1253 William Saye was born to William Saye (age 44) and Sybil Marshal (age 44) at Birling, Kent [Map].
On 17th June 1340 William Saye 3rd Baron Say was born to Geoffrey Saye 2nd Baron Say (age 31) and Maud Beauchamp Baroness Say (age 30) at Birling, Kent [Map]. He married his third cousin once removed Beatrice Brewes Baroness Say and had issue.
On 12th December 1574 Thomas Fane (age 64) and Mary Neville 7th and 5th Baroness Abergavenny 3rd Baroness Despencer (age 20) were married at Birling, Kent [Map]. The difference in their ages was 44 years.
In September 1576 Frances Manners Baroness Bergavenny (age 46) died at Birling, Kent [Map].
Around 1602 Charles Neville was born to Henry Neville 2nd Baron Abergavenny (age 23) and Mary Sackville (age 18) at Birling, Kent [Map].
On 15th October 1616 Rachel Lennard Baroness Bergavenny (age 63) died in Birling, Kent [Map].
On 1st December 1622 Edward Neville 1st Baron Abergavenny (age 72) died. He was buried at Birling, Kent [Map]. His son Henry (age 43) succeeded 2nd Baron Abergavenny. Catherine Vaux Baroness Bergavenny (age 30) by marriage Baroness Abergavenny.
Abbot John Whethamstede’s Chronicle of the Abbey of St Albans
Abbot John Whethamstede's Register aka Chronicle of his second term at the Abbey of St Albans, 1451-1461, is a remarkable text that describes his first-hand experience of the beginning of the Wars of the Roses including the First and Second Battles of St Albans, 1455 and 1461, respectively, their cause, and their consequences, not least on the Abbey itself. His text also includes Loveday, Blore Heath, Northampton, the Act of Accord, Wakefield, and Towton, and ends with the Coronation of King Edward IV. In addition to the events of the Wars of the Roses, Abbot John, or his scribes who wrote the Chronicle, include details in the life of the Abbey such as charters, letters, land exchanges, visits by legates, and disputes, which provide a rich insight into the day-to-day life of the Abbey, and the challenges faced by its Abbot.
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Before 24th December 1641 Henry Neville 2nd Baron Abergavenny (age 62) died. He was buried at Birling, Kent [Map]. His granddaughter Margaret succeeded 3rd Baroness Abergavenny.
Before 7th June 1649 Christopher Neville (age 65) died. On 7th June 1649 he was buried at Birling, Kent [Map].
On 19th May 1873 Caroline Leeke Countess Abergavenny died at Birling, Kent [Map].
Letters and Papers Foreign and Domestic Henry VIII 1528. This day, as the King came "towards evensong," the marquis of Exeter brought two great bucks from Burllyng [Map], the best of which the King sends to your Grace. This day the King has received his Maker at the Friars', when my Lord of Lincoln administered. On Tuesday the King goes to Waltham [Map]. Greenwich [Map], Corpus Christi Day. Signed.
On 8th February 1394 Thomas Cobham (age 51) died. He was buried at All Saints Church, Birling.
After 4th June 1535 George Neville 5th and 3rd Baron Abergavenny (deceased) died. He was buried at All Saints Church, Birling; his heart was buried at Mereworth, probably St Lawrence's Church, Mereworth. His son Henry (age 5) succeeded 6th Baron Abergavenny, 4th Baron Abergavenny.