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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Magdalen College, Oxford University is in Oxford University.
Around 1462 Bishop Richard Foxe (age 14) educated at Magdalen College, Oxford University.
Around 1519 Bishop Owen Oglethorpe (age 12) educated at Magdalen College, Oxford University.
Around 1520 George Vernon "King of the Peak" (age 12) educated at Magdalen College, Oxford University.
Around 1525 Bishop William Overton was born in Clerkenwell [Map]. He was educated at Magdalen College, Oxford University.
Archdeacon John Mullins (age 21) was made probationary Fellow of Magdalen College, Oxford University. He was awarded Bachelor of Arts on 24th July 1541, Master of Arts on 8th February 1546 and Bachelor of Divinity in 1551.
Around 1569 Arthur Throckmorton (age 12) educated at Magdalen College, Oxford University.
In 1571 Erasmus Dryden 1st Baronet (age 17) was admitted to Magdalen College, Oxford University.
In 1574 Francis Newport (age 19) educated at Magdalen College, Oxford University.
Around 1575 William Russell 1st Baron Russell (age 15) educated at Magdalen College, Oxford University.
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 1576 Matthew Browne (age 12) educated at Magdalen College, Oxford University.
In 1579 Edward Talbot 8th Earl of Shrewsbury (age 17) educated at Magdalen College, Oxford University.
On 17th November 1581 William Borlase of Little Marlow (age 17) matriculated Magdalen College, Oxford University.
In June 1582 John Bridgeman (age 45) matriculated Magdalen College, Oxford University.
In 1584 John Stradling 1st Baronet (age 21) graduated BA from Magdalen College, Oxford University.
On 27th June 1590 Thomas Berkeley (age 14) was educated at Magdalen College, Oxford University.
On 22nd June 1604 Henry Borlase (age 14) matriculated Magdalen College, Oxford University.
On 22nd June 1604 William Borlase (age 15) matriculated Magdalen College, Oxford University.
Around 1606 Edward Rodney (age 15) educated at Magdalen College, Oxford University.
In 1607 Edward Willoughby educated at Magdalen College, Oxford University.
William of Worcester's Chronicle of England
William of Worcester, born around 1415, and died around 1482 was secretary to John Fastolf, the renowned soldier of the Hundred Years War, during which time he collected documents, letters, and wrote a record of events. Following their return to England in 1440 William was witness to major events. Twice in his chronicle he uses the first person: 1. when writing about the murder of Thomas, 7th Baron Scales, in 1460, he writes '… and I saw him lying naked in the cemetery near the porch of the church of St. Mary Overie in Southwark …' and 2. describing King Edward IV's entry into London in 1461 he writes '… proclaimed that all the people themselves were to recognize and acknowledge Edward as king. I was present and heard this, and immediately went down with them into the city'. William’s Chronicle is rich in detail. It is the source of much information about the Wars of the Roses, including the term 'Diabolical Marriage' to describe the marriage of Queen Elizabeth Woodville’s brother John’s marriage to Katherine, Dowager Duchess of Norfolk, he aged twenty, she sixty-five or more, and the story about a paper crown being placed in mockery on the severed head of Richard, 3rd Duke of York.
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On 4th November 1608 Thomas Leigh 1st Baron Leigh (age 13) was educated at Magdalen College, Oxford University.
Around 1609 William Waller (age 12) educated at Magdalen College, Oxford University.
On 12th June 1618 John Curzon 1st Baronet (age 19) was educated at Magdalen College, Oxford University.
Around 1628 Henry Vane "The Younger" (age 14) educated at Magdalen College, Oxford University.
In 1634 Arthur Annesley 1st Earl Annesley (age 19) graduated at Magdalen College, Oxford University.
On 30th April 1635 John Borlase 1st Baronet (age 15) matriculated Magdalen College, Oxford University.
On 30th April 1635 William Borlase (age 14) matriculated Magdalen College, Oxford University.
On 31st August 1636 Henry Spencer 1st Earl of Sunderland (age 15) graduated at Magdalen College, Oxford University.
On 1st July 1642 Compton Reade 1st Baronet (age 17) matriculated Magdalen College, Oxford University.
In June 1648 William Hoole was admitted to Magdalen College, Oxford University.
The Deeds of the Dukes of Normandy
The Gesta Normannorum Ducum [The Deeds of the Dukes of Normandy] is a landmark medieval chronicle tracing the rise and fall of the Norman dynasty from its early roots through the pivotal events surrounding the Norman Conquest of England. Originally penned in Latin by the monk William of Jumièges shortly before 1060 and later expanded at the behest of William the Conqueror, the work chronicles the deeds, politics, battles, and leadership of the Norman dukes, especially William’s own claim to the English throne. The narrative combines earlier historical sources with firsthand information and oral testimony to present an authoritative account of Normandy’s transformation from a Viking settlement into one of medieval Europe’s most powerful realms. William’s history emphasizes the legitimacy, military prowess, and governance of the Norman line, framing their expansion, including the conquest of England, as both divinely sanctioned and noble in purpose. Later chroniclers such as Orderic Vitalis and Robert of Torigni continued the history, extending the coverage into the 12th century, providing broader context on ducal rule and its impact. Today this classic work remains a foundational source for understanding Norman identity, medieval statesmanship, and the historical forces that reshaped England and Western Europe between 800AD and 1100AD.
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John Evelyn's Diary. 14th July 1669. Dr. Fell, Dean of Christ Church and Vice-Chancellor, with Dr. Allestree (age 47), Professor, with beadles and maces before them, came to visit me at my lodging. I went to visit Lord Howard's sons at Magdalen College, Oxford University.
In 1670 Richard Annesley 3rd Baron Altham (age 15) graduated Master of Arts: Oxford University at Magdalen College, Oxford University.
In 1687 Bishop Samuel Parker (age 47) was appointed Magdalen College, Oxford University by the Ecclesiastical Commission when the fellows refused to elect any of the king's nominees. This act became one of the most celebrated episodes leading up to King James's (age 53) abdication.
On 21st March 1688 Bishop Samuel Parker (age 48) died at Magdalen College, Oxford University.
On 10th September 1703 John Digby (age 16) was educated at Magdalen College, Oxford University.
On 8th May 1707 John Digby (age 20) was awarded Master of Arts: Oxford University at Magdalen College, Oxford University.
On 12th July 1708 Robert Digby (age 16) was educated at Magdalen College, Oxford University.
On 12th October 1711 Robert Digby (age 19) was awarded Master of Arts: Oxford University at Magdalen College, Oxford University.
On 9th March 1714 Wriothesley Digby (age 16) was educated at Magdalen College, Oxford University.
In 1716 Wriothesley Digby (age 18) was awarded Bachelor of Arts at Magdalen College, Oxford University.
Henrici Quinti, Angliæ Regis, Gesta, is a first-hand account of the Agincourt Campaign, and subsequent events to his death in 1422. The author of the first part was a Chaplain in King Henry's retinue who was present from King Henry's departure at Southampton in 1415, at the siege of Harfleur, the battle of Agincourt, and the celebrations on King Henry's return to London. The second part, by another writer, relates the events that took place including the negotiations at Troye, Henry's marriage and his death in 1422.
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On 5th May 1720 William Wheler 5th Baronet (age 16) matriculated Magdalen College, Oxford University.
Around 1730 Henry Reginald Courtenay (age 15) educated at Magdalen College, Oxford University.
In 1731 William Courtenay 7th Earl Devon (age 21) graduated Master of Arts: Oxford University at Magdalen College, Oxford University.
In 1739 William Courtenay 7th Earl Devon (age 29) was awarded Honorary Doctor of Civil Law at Magdalen College, Oxford University.
In 1774 Reverend Barton Wallop (age 29) was appointed Master of Magdalen College, Oxford University which office he held until his death in 1781.
Around 1810 Bishop Aubrey Spencer (age 14) educated at Magdalen College, Oxford University.
On 18th January 1870 John Reade 6th Baronet matriculated Magdalen College, Oxford University as a Gentleman Commoner. On 2nd July 1783 John Reade 6th Baronet was awarded Master of Arts: Oxford University.
On 23rd April 1879 Spencer Maryon-Wilson 11th Baronet (age 19) matriculated at Magdalen College, Oxford University.
In or before 1926 Gyles Isham 12th Baronet (age 22) was admitted to Magdalen College, Oxford University. He was President of the Oxford Union in 1926. Graduated MA in 1930.
William Russell 1st Duke Bedford educated at Magdalen College, Oxford University.
1813. Frederick Nash (age 31). "Founders Tower, Magdalen College.