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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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Burley-on-the-Hill House is in Burley-on-the-Hill, Rutlandshire.
In 1405 Robert Plessington (age 36) died. His son Robert Plessington (age 11) succeeded to Burley-on-the-Hill House albeit he was a minor.
In 1407 Robert Plessington (age 13) died whilst still a minor. His brother Henry Plessington (age 37) succeeded to Burley-on-the-Hill House.
In 1457 William Plessington died without issue. His cousin Isabel de Plessington succeeded to Burley-on-the-Hill House.
On 26th October 1492 Isabel de Plessington died. Her daughter Joan Fraunceys inherited Burley-on-the-Hill House.
In 1547 Edward Sapcote (age 58) died without issue. He left Burley-on-the-Hill House to his sister Dorothy Sapcote and his nephews Thomas Wake and Robert Brooksby.
In 1549 Thomas Wake sold his third of Burley-on-the-Hill House to John Alexander Harrington (age 52).
In 1561 Robert Brooksby sold his share of Burley-on-the-Hill House to James Harrington (age 50).
Chronicle of Walter of Guisborough
A canon regular of the Augustinian Guisborough Priory, Yorkshire, formerly known as The Chronicle of Walter of Hemingburgh, describes the period from 1066 to 1346. Before 1274 the Chronicle is based on other works. Thereafter, the Chronicle is original, and a remarkable source for the events of the time. This book provides a translation of the Chronicle from that date. The Latin source for our translation is the 1849 work edited by Hans Claude Hamilton. Hamilton, in his preface, says: 'In the present work we behold perhaps one of the finest samples of our early chronicles, both as regards the value of the events recorded, and the correctness with which they are detailed; Nor will the pleasing style of composition be lightly passed over by those capable of seeing reflected from it the tokens of a vigorous and cultivated mind, and a favourable specimen of the learning and taste of the age in which it was framed.'
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In 1573 John Harington 1st Baron Harington (age 33) and Anne Keilway Baroness Harington (age 19) were married. His father James Harrington (age 62) gave him Burley-on-the-Hill House as a wedding present.
In 1573 John Durrant sold his share of Burley-on-the-Hill House to James Harrington (age 62).
In January 1596 John Harington 1st Baron Harington (age 56) produced a performance of Titus Andronicus and a masque written by his brother-in-law Edward Wingfield of Kimbolton (age 34) at Burley-on-the-Hill House. The event was mentioned in a letter from Jacques Petit to his master Anthony Bacon (age 47).
Edward Wingfield of Kimbolton: Around 1562 he was born to Thomas Wingfield of Kimbolton Castle and Honora Denny. Before 1603 Edward Wingfield of Kimbolton and Mary Harrington were married. In 1603 Edward Wingfield of Kimbolton died.
Anthony Bacon: In 1549 he was born to Nicholas Bacon and Anne Cooke. In 1601 Anthony Bacon died.
In 1620 Lucy Harrington Countess Bedford (age 40) sold Burley-on-the-Hill House to George Villiers 1st Duke of Buckingham (age 27) for £28,000.
Around 1690 Daniel Finch 2nd Earl Nottingham 7th Earl Winchilsea (age 42) commissioned the building of Burley-on-the-Hill House as it is known today. Christopher Wren (age 66) was consulted. The designs of Montague House and Devonshire House [Map] were reviewed.
On 2nd August 1826 George Finch 9th Earl Winchilsea 4th Earl Nottingham (age 73) died unmarried without legitimate issue. His first cousin once removed George (age 35) succeeded 5th Earl Nottingham, 10th Earl Winchilsea, 10th Viscount Maidstone, 5th Baron Finch Daventry, 11th Baronet Finch of Eastwell in Kent. Georgiana Charlotte Graham Countess Nottingham Winchelsea (age 32) by marriage Countess Nottingham, Countess Winchilsea. His illegitimate son George Finch (age 31) inherited his manors at Burley-on-the-Hill House and Ravenstone, Buckinghamshire.
In 1908 a fire broke out at Burley-on-the-Hill House during a party which Winston Churchill (age 33) was attending. Part of the west end of the house was destroyed.
Between 1993 and 1998 Burley-on-the-Hill House was converted into six dwelling with a further twenty-two dwellings on the estate.