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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Penkridge, Staffordshire is in Staffordshire.
In 958 a charter of King Edgar I of England (age 15) describes Penkridge, Staffordshire [Map] as a "famous place". St Michael's Church, Penkridge [Map] was established as a Royal Free Chapel making it a Royal Peculiar. The church was independent of the Bishop of Lichfield and, correspondingly, the Archbishop of Canterbury.
On 3rd November 1602 Alice Cockayne (age 67) died at Penkridge, Staffordshire [Map]. She was buried at St Michael's Church, Penkridge [Map].
The River Penk rises near Perton, Staffordshire [Map] from where it flows past Pendeford, Staffordshire [Map], Coven, Staffordshire [Map], Brewood Staffordshire [Map], Stretton, Staffordshire [Map], Penkridge, Staffordshire [Map], Acton Trussell, Staffordshire [Map] to Baswich, Stafford [Map] where it joins the River Sow.
Around 1757 William Hogarth (age 59). Portrait of Inigo Jones. The portrait was commissioned by Edward Littleton 4th Baronet (age 30) when he was refurbishing his house Teddesley Hall, Penkridge.
On 5th November 1816 Hyacinthe Gabrielle Roland Marchioness Wellesley (age 50) died at Teddesley Hall, Penkridge; home of her son-in-law Edward John Walhouse aka Littleton 1st Baron Hatherton (age 25), husband of her daughter Hyacinthe Mary Wellesley Baroness Hatherton (age 27).
On 10th July 1847 Hyacinthe Anne Littleton (age 34) died at Teddesley Hall, Penkridge.
On 6th January 1849 Hyacinthe Mary Wellesley Baroness Hatherton (age 59) died at Teddesley Hall, Penkridge.
On 4th May 1863 Edward John Walhouse aka Littleton 1st Baron Hatherton (age 72) died at Teddesley Hall, Penkridge. His son Edward (age 47) succeeded 2nd Baron Hatherton.
In 1565 the White Hart Inn [Map] was built on the site of the original manor house.
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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In 1575 Queen Elizabeth I of England and Ireland (age 41) stayed at the White Hart Inn [Map].
