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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Church of St Mary, East Raynham is in East Raynham, Norfolk, Churches in Norfolk.
Church of St Mary, East Raynham [Map].
After 9th November 1493. Memorial at the Church of St Mary, East Raynham [Map] to Roger Townshend (deceased), his wife Eleanor Lunsford and his father John Townshend.
After 13th September 1852. Church of St Mary, East Raynham [Map]. Memorial to Lt General William Francis Bentinck Loftus (deceased) and Major Henry Loftus (age 29).
Lt General William Francis Bentinck Loftus: Around 1783 he was born to General William Loftus and Margaret King. On 13th September 1852 he died.
Major Henry Loftus: Around 1823 he was born to Lt General William Francis Bentinck Loftus. On 22nd November 1862 he died at Murree, India.
On 5th November 1853 Charles Vere Ferrers Townshend (age 68) died. He was buried at Church of St Mary, East Raynham [Map].
After 5th November 1853. Church of St Mary, East Raynham [Map]. Memorial to Charles Vere Ferrers Townshend (deceased) and Charlotte Elizabeth Loftus.
Charles Vere Ferrers Townshend: On 16th September 1785 he was born to George Townshend 2nd Marquess Townshend and Charlotte Mainwaring Ellerker Countess of Leicester. Before 5th November 1853 Charles Vere Ferrers Townshend and Charlotte Elizabeth Loftus were married. He the son of George Townshend 2nd Marquess Townshend and Charlotte Mainwaring Ellerker Countess of Leicester. They were first cousins. On 5th November 1853 Charles Vere Ferrers Townshend died. He was buried at Church of St Mary, East Raynham [Map].
Charlotte Elizabeth Loftus: she was born to General William Loftus and Elizabeth Townshend. On 21st March 1866 she died. She was buried in the Townshend family vault at Raynham Hall, Norfolk.
After 10th September 1863. Church of St Mary, East Raynham [Map]. Memorial to John Townshend 4th Marquess Townshend (deceased) sculpted by George Gammon Adams (age 42).
After 27th January 1877. Church of St Mary, East Raynham [Map]. Memorial to Elizabeth Jane Stuart (deceased), John Villiers Stuart Townshend 5th Marquess Townshend (age 45) and Nicholas Townshend Durham.
Elizabeth Jane Stuart: On 18th July 1803 she was born to George Stuart. On 18th August 1825 John Townshend 4th Marquess Townshend and she were married. On 27th January 1877 Elizabeth Jane Stuart died.
Nicholas Townshend Durham: he was born to James Cunninghame Durham and Agnes Elizabeth Audrey Townshend. He a great x 3 grandson of King William IV of the United Kingdom. On 17th March 1943 Nicholas Townshend Durham was killed in action at the Battle of the Mareth Line.
Before 1898. Memorial to General William Loftus and Elizabeth Townshend at the Church of St Mary, East Raynham [Map] sculpted by George Gammon Adams (age 76).
Elizabeth Townshend: Around 1767 she was born to George Townshend 1st Marquess Townshend and Charlotte Compton 16th Baroness Ferrers Chartley 7th Baroness Compton. On 7th May 1790 General William Loftus and she were married. She the daughter of George Townshend 1st Marquess Townshend and Charlotte Compton 16th Baroness Ferrers Chartley 7th Baroness Compton. On 21st March 1811 Elizabeth Townshend died.
On 18th May 1924 Major-General Sir Charles Vere Ferrers Townshend (age 63) died. Memorial in the Church of St Mary, East Raynham [Map].
Major-General Sir Charles Vere Ferrers Townshend: On 21st February 1861 he was born to Charles Thornton Townshend at Great Union Street.