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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Llanthony Secunda Priory, Gloucestershire is in Gloucester [Map], Priories in England.
Around May 1136 Miles Gloucester 1st Earl Hereford founded Llanthony Secunda Priory, Gloucestershire [Map], literally Llanthony Second, as a refuge for the monks of Llanthony Priory [Map] who were suffering repeated attacks from the Welsh.
Around November 1155 Roger Fitzmiles 2nd Earl Hereford [aged 30] died. He was buried in Llanthony Secunda Priory, Gloucestershire [Map]. Earl Hereford extinct. His brother Walter succeeded Baron Abergavenny Feudal Creation and High Sheriff of Gloucester.
On 12th April 1165, Easter eve, Henry Fitzmiles Baron Abergavenny was killed by Seisyll ap Dyfnwal Gwent at Arnold Arnaullt Castle [Map]. He buried at Llanthony Secunda Priory, Gloucestershire [Map]. His brother Mahel succeeded Baron Abergavenny Feudal Creation.
In October 1165 Mahel Gloucester died at Bronllys Castle [Map]. He was buried at Llanthony Secunda Priory, Gloucestershire [Map]. His brother William succeeded Baron Abergavenny Feudal Creation.
On 6th April 1197 Margaret Gloucester [aged 74] died. She was buried in Llanthony Secunda Priory, Gloucestershire [Map].
In 1251 Eleanor de Braose [aged 23] died. She was buried in Llanthony Secunda Priory, Gloucestershire [Map].
On 24th September 1275 Humphrey Bohun 2nd Earl Hereford 1st Earl Essex [aged 71] died at Kenilworth Castle [Map]. He was buried at Llanthony Secunda Priory, Gloucestershire [Map]. His grandson Humphrey [aged 26] succeeded 3rd Earl Hereford, 2nd Earl Essex.
On 24th June 1314 the Scottish army of King Robert the Bruce I of Scotland [aged 39] including, James "Black" Douglas [aged 28], heavily defeated the English army led by King Edward II of England [aged 30] at the Battle of Bannockburn.
Gilbert de Clare 8th Earl Gloucester 7th Earl Hertford [aged 23] was killed. Earl Gloucester, Earl Hertford extinct.
John Comyn 4th Lord Baddenoch [aged 20], Robert Felton 1st Baron Felton [aged 44] and William Vesci were killed.
William Marshal 1st Baron Marshal [aged 36] was killed. His son John [aged 22] succeeded 2nd Baron Marshal.
Robert Clifford 1st Baron Clifford [aged 40] was killed. His son Roger [aged 14] succeeded 2nd Baron de Clifford.
John Lovell 2nd Baron Lovel [aged 25] was killed. His son John succeeded 3rd Baron Lovel of Titchmarsh.
Henry Bohun was killed by King Robert the Bruce I of Scotland. He was buried in Llanthony Secunda Priory, Gloucestershire [Map].
Walter Fauconberg 2nd Baron Fauconberg [aged 50] possilby died although his death is also reported as being on 31 Dec 1318.
Bartholomew Badlesmere 1st Baron Badlesmere [aged 38], Humphrey Bohun 4th Earl Hereford 3rd Earl Essex [aged 38], Goronwy ap Tudur Hen Tudor, Henry Beaumont Earl Buchan [aged 35], Aymer de Valence 2nd Earl Pembroke [aged 39] and Robert Umfraville 8th Earl Angus [aged 37] fought.
Pain Tiptoft 1st Baron Tibetot [aged 34] was killed. His son John succeeded 2nd Baron Tibetot.
John Montfort 2nd Baron Montfort [aged 23] was killed. Peter Montfort 3rd Baron Montfort [aged 23] succeeded 3rd Baron Montfort.
Thomas Grey [aged 34] undertook a suicidal charge that contributed to the English defeat and subsequently blemished his career.
William Latimer 2nd Baron Latimer of Corby [aged 38] was captured.
Michael Poynings [aged 44] was killed.
On 28th May 1420 William Bourchier 1st Count of Eu [aged 46] died at Troyes, France [Map]. He was buried at Llanthony Secunda Priory, Gloucestershire [Map]. His son Henry [aged 16] succeeded 2nd Count Eu.
In 1438 Anne of Gloucester Plantagenet Countess Eu and Stafford [aged 55] died. She was buried at Llanthony Secunda Priory, Gloucestershire [Map].
This is a translation of the 'Memoires of Jacques du Clercq', published in 1823 in two volumes, edited by Frederic, Baron de Reissenberg. In his introduction Reissenberg writes: 'Jacques du Clercq tells us that he was born in 1424, and that he was a licentiate in law and a counsellor to Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy, in the castellany of Douai, Lille, and Orchies. It appears that he established his residence at Arras. In 1446, he married the daughter of Baldwin de la Lacherie, a gentleman who lived in Lille. We read in the fifth book of his Memoirs that his father, also named Jacques du Clercq, had married a lady of the Le Camelin family, from Compiègne. His ancestors, always attached to the counts of Flanders, had constantly served them, whether in their councils or in their armies.' The Memoires cover a period of nineteen years beginning in in 1448, ending in in 1467. It appears that the author had intended to extend the Memoirs beyond that date; no doubt illness or death prevented him from carrying out this plan. As Reissenberg writes the 'merit of this work lies in the simplicity of its narrative, in its tone of good faith, and in a certain air of frankness which naturally wins the reader’s confidence.' Du Clercq ranges from events of national and international importance, including events of the Wars of the Roses in England, to simple, everyday local events such as marriages, robberies, murders, trials and deaths, including that of his own father in Book 5; one of his last entries.
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On 24th December 1143 Miles Gloucester 1st Earl Hereford was accidentally shot and killed whilst hunting in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire. He was buried in the Chapter House, Llanthony Secunda Priory, Gloucestershire. His son Roger [aged 18] succeeded 2nd Earl Hereford, Baron Abergavenny Feudal Creation. Cecilia Fitzjohn Countess Hereford [aged 23] by marriage Countess Hereford.