Jean de Waurin's Chronicle of England Volume 6 Books 3-6: The Wars of the Roses
Jean de Waurin was a French Chronicler, from the Artois region, who was born around 1400, and died around 1474. Waurin’s Chronicle of England, Volume 6, covering the period 1450 to 1471, from which we have selected and translated Chapters relating to the Wars of the Roses, provides a vivid, original, contemporary description of key events some of which he witnessed first-hand, some of which he was told by the key people involved with whom Waurin had a personal relationship.
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Richmond, Surrey is in Surrey.
1559 Death and Funeral of Frances Brandon
1933 Opening of the Twickenham, Hampton Court and Chiswick Bridges
Letters and Papers Foreign and Domestic Henry VIII 1509. April 1509. Will of Henry VII [aged 52]:
At his manor of Richmond, Surrey [Map] March 24 Henry VII., the King makes his last will, commending his soul to the Redeemer with the words he has used since his first "years of discretion," Domine Jesu Christe, qui me ex nichilo creasti, fecisti, redemisti et predestinasti ad hoc quod sum, Tu scis quid de me facere vis, fac de me secundum voluntatem Tuam cum misericordia, trusting in the grace of His Blessed Mother in whom, after Him, has been all his (testator's) trust, by whom in all his adversities he has had special comfort, and to whom he now makes his prayer (recited), as also to all the company of Heaven and especially his "accustumed avoures" St. Michael, St. John Baptist, St. John Evangelist, St. George, St. Anthony, St. Edward, St. Vincent, St. Anne, St. Mary Magdalene and St. Barbara, to defend him at the hour of death and be intercessors for the remission of his sins and salvation of his soul.
Desires to be buried at Westminster [Map], where he was crowned, where lie buried many of his progenitors, especially his granddame Catharine wife to Henry V and daughter to Charles of France, and whereto he means shortly to translate the remains of Henry IV in the chapel [Map] which he has begun to build (giving full directions for the placing and making of his tomb and finishing of the said chapel according to the plan which he has "in picture delivered" to the prior of St. Bartholomew's beside Smithfield, master of the works for the same); and he has delivered beforehand to the abbot, &c., of Westminster, £5,000, by indenture dated Richmond, 13 April 23 Hen VII, towards the cost.
His executors shall cause 10,000 masses in honor of the Trinity, the Five Wounds, the Five Joys of Our Lady, the Nine Orders of Angels, the Patriarchs, the Twelve Apostles and All Saints (numbers to each object specified) to be said within one month after his decease, at 6d. each, making in all £250 and shall distribute 2,£000 in alms; and to ensure payment he has left 2,£250 with the abbot, &c., of West-minster, by indenture dated (blank) day of (blank) in the (blank) year of his reign.
His debts are then to be paid and reparation for wrongs made by his executors at the discretion of the following persons, by whom all complaints shall be tenderly weighed, viz, the abp of Canterbury [aged 59], Richard bp of Winchester [aged 61], the bps of London and Rochester [aged 39], Thomas Earl of Surrey [aged 66], Treasurer General, George Earl of Shrewsbury [aged 41], Steward of the House, Sir Charles Somerset Lord Herbert [aged 49], Chamberlain, the two Chief Justices, Mr. John Yong [aged 44], Master of the Rolls, Sir Thomas Lovell, Treasurer of the House, Mr. Thomas Routhall, secretary, Sir Ric Emson [aged 59], Chancellor of the Duchy, Edm. Dudley [aged 47], the King's attorney at the time of his decease, and his confessor, the Provincial of the Friars Observants, and Mr. William Atwater, dean of the Chapel, or at least six of them and three of his executors.
His executors shall see that the officers of the Household and Wardrobe discharge any debts which may be due for charges of the same.
Lands to the yearly value of above 1,000 mks have been "amortised" for fulfilment of certain covenants (described) with the abbey of Westminster.
For the completion of the hospital which he has begun to build at the Savoie place beside Charingcrosse, and towards which 10,000 mks in ready money has been delivered to the dean and chapter of St. Paul's, by indenture dated (blank), his executors shall deliver any more money which may be necessary; and they shall also make (if he has not done it in his lifetime) two similar hospitals in the suburbs of York and Coventry.
Certain cathedrals, abbeys, &c., named in a schedule hereto annexed [not annexed now] have undertaken to make for him orisons, prayers and suffrages "while the world shall endure," in return for which he has made them large confirmations, licences and other grants; and he now wishes 6s. 8d. each to be delivered soon after his decease to the rulers of such cathedrals, &c., 3s. 4d. to every canon and monk, being priest, within the same and 20d. to every canon, monk, vicar and minister not being priest. His executors shall bestow 2,£000 upon the repair of the highways and bridges from Windsor to Richmond manor and thence to St. George's church beside Southwark [Map], and thence to Greenwich manor, and thence to Canterbury.
To divers lords, as well of his blood as other, and also to knights, squires and other subjects, he has, for their good service, made grants of lands, offices and annuities, which he straitly charges his son, the Prince [aged 17], and other heirs to respect; as also the enfeoffments of the Duchy of Lancaster made by Parliaments of 7 and 19 Henry VII. for the fulfilment of his will.
Bequests for finishing of the church of the New College in Cambridge and the church of Westminster, for the houses of Friars Observants, for the altar within the King's grate (i.e. of his tomb), for the high altar within the King's chapel, for the image of the King to be made and set upon St. Edward's shrine, for the College of Windsor, for the monastery of Westminster, for the image of the King to be set at St. Thomas's shrine at Canterbury, and for chalices and pixes of a certain fashion to be given to all the houses of Friars and every parish church not suitably provided with such.
Bequest of a dote of 50,£000 for the marriage of Lady Mary [aged 13] the King's daughter with Charles Prince of Spain [aged 9], as contracted at Richmond (blank) Dec. 24 Henry VIII., or (if that fail) her marriage with any prince out of the realm by "consent of our said son the Prince, his Council and our said executors.".
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Henry Machyn's Diary. 25th January 1554. The xxv day of January was bered master Sturley sqwyre, at Rychemond [Map], with cot armur and penon and skochyons of armes, stayffe torchys and ij whyt branchys, and mony mornars.
Note. P. 51. Funeral of master Sturley esquire. There seems to be no memorial of this gentleman remaining in connection with the history of Richmond. In August 1551, it was appointed that Mr. Sturley, captain of Berwick, should leave the Wardenship of the East Marches to the lord Evers; but that person is again mentioned as a knight, sir Nicholas Sturley, in the following October. (King Edward's Diary.)
oN 20th November 1559 or 21st November 1559 Frances Brandon Duchess of Suffolk [aged 42] died at Richmond, Surrey [Map].
In 1580 Thomas St Paul was knighted by Queen Elizabeth I of England and Ireland [aged 46] at Richmond, Surrey [Map].
On 10th March 1627 Elizabeth Vere Countess Derby [aged 51] died at Richmond, Surrey [Map]. She was buried at Westminster Abbey [Map].
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 12th May 1662. Mr. Townsend called us up by four o'clock; and by five the three ladies, my wife and I, and Mr. Townsend, his son and daughter, were got to the barge and set out. We walked from Mortlake, Richmond to Richmond, Surrey [Map], and so to boat again. And from Teddington to Hampton Court [Map] Mr. Townsend and I walked again. And then met the ladies, and were showed the whole house by Mr. Marriott; which is indeed nobly furnished, particularly the Queen's [aged 23] bed, given her by the States of Holland; a looking-glass sent by the Queen-Mother [aged 52] from France, hanging in the Queen's chamber, and many brave pictures.
John Evelyn's Diary. 24th March 1688. I went with Sir Charles Littleton [aged 60] to Sheen [Map], a house and estate given him by Lord Brounker; one who was ever noted for a hard, covetous, vicious man; but for his worldly craft and skill in gaming few exceeded him. Coming to die, he bequeathed all his land, house, furniture, etc., to Sir Charles, to whom he had no manner of relation, but an ancient friendship contracted at the famous siege of Colchester, forty years before. It is a pretty place, with fine gardens, and well planted, and given to one worthy of them, Sir Charles being an honest gentleman and soldier. He is brother to Sir Henry Littleton [aged 64] of Worcestershire, whose great estate he is likely to inherit, his brother being without children. They are descendants of the great lawyer of that name, and give the same arms and motto. He is married to one Mrs. Temple [aged 39], formerly Maid of Honour to the late Queen [aged 49], a beautiful lady, and he has many fine children, so that none envy his good fortune.
In 1746 Henry Arundell 6th Baron Arundel [aged 52] died at Richmond, Surrey [Map]. His son Henry [aged 29] succeeded 7th Baron Arundel of Wardour in Wiltshire. Mary Belling by marriage Baroness Arundel of Wardour in Wiltshire.
On 13th August 1803 Charles Douglas 6th Marquess Queensberry [aged 26] and Caroline Scott Marchioness Queensbury [aged 29] were married at Richmond, Surrey [Map]. She by marriage Marchioness Queensberry. She the daughter of Henry Scott 3rd Duke Buccleuch [aged 56] and Elizabeth Montagu Duchess Buccleuch [aged 60]. They were fourth cousin once removed. She a great x 4 granddaughter of King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland.
On 27th April 1824 William Kerr 6th Marquess Lothian [aged 60] died at Richmond, Surrey [Map]. His son John [aged 30] succeeded 7th Marquess Lothian, 10th Earl Lothian, 8th Earl Lothian.
On 15th March 1849 James Anderson Rose [aged 29] and Emily Winter Rose nee Chadwick [aged 24] were married. Possibly at Richmond, Surrey [Map].
On 25th May 1601 Robert Beale [aged 60] died at his home at Barnes Richmond, Surrey.
John Evelyn's Diary. 14th May 1663. Dined with my Lord Mordaunt [aged 36], and thence went to Barnes, to visit my excellent and ingenious friend, Abraham Cowley [aged 45].
Anne Boleyn. Her Life as told by Lancelot de Carle's 1536 Letter.
In 1536, two weeks after the execution of Anne Boleyn, her brother George and four others, Lancelot du Carle, wrote an extraordinary letter that described Anne's life, and her trial and execution, to which he was a witness. This book presents a new translation of that letter, with additional material from other contemporary sources such as Letters, Hall's and Wriothesley's Chronicles, the pamphlets of Wynkyn the Worde, the Memorial of George Constantyne, the Portuguese Letter and the Baga de Secrets, all of which are provided in Appendices.
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Around 1646 James Hayes [aged 9] educated at St Paul's School Barnes Richmond, Surrey.
On 8th April 1822 Stillborn twins Fitz-Clarence was born to King William IV of the United Kingdom [aged 56] and Queen Adelaide of England [aged 29] at Bushy Park Richmond, Surrey.
On 4th January 1688 Henry Brouncker 3rd Viscount Brounckner [aged 61] died without issue at Sheen Priory, Richmond [Map]. He was buried in the Church of St Mary Magdalene, Richmond, Surrey. Viscount Brouckner of Lyons in Leinster extinct.
On 4th October 1825 John Morritt [aged 23] and Mary Baillie [aged 23] were married at the Church of St Mary Magdalene, Richmond, Surrey.
On 26th October 2000 Serena Lumley [aged 99] died. She was buried at Church of St Mary the Virgin, Richmond, Surrey.
Before 5th August 1661 Cornelius Janssens aka Johnson [aged 67]. Portrait of Thomas Hales 3rd Baronet and John Maitland 1st Duke Lauderdale [aged 45]. Ham House, Richmond, Surrey.
Thomas Hales 3rd Baronet: Around 1695 he was born to Thomas Hales 2nd Baronet. On 7th January 1748 Thomas Hales 2nd Baronet died. His son Thomas succeeded 3rd Baronet Hales of Beakesbourne in Kent. On 6th October 1762 Thomas Hales 3rd Baronet died. His son Thomas succeeded 4th Baronet Hales of Beakesbourne in Kent.
On 10th October 1680 John Campbell 2nd Duke Argyll was born to Archibald Campbell 1st Duke Argyll [aged 22] and Elizabeth Tollemache Duchess Argyll [aged 21] at Ham House, Richmond, Surrey. He married (1) 1701 Mary Duncombe Duchess of Argyll (2) 6th June 1717 Jane Warburton Duchess of Argyll and had issue.
On 5th June 1698 Elizabeth Murray Duchess Lauderdale [aged 71] died at Ham House, Richmond, Surrey. She was buried at Church of St Peter Petersham, Surrey. Her son Lionel [aged 49] succeeded 3rd Earl Dysart.
On 20th February 1799 Lionel Tollemache 5th Earl Dysart [aged 64] died at Ham House, Richmond, Surrey without issue. His brother Wilbrahim [aged 59] succeeded 6th Earl Dysart, 7th Baronet Talmash of Helmingham in Suffolk.
On 20th August 1833 Charles Brudenell 1st Marquess Ailesbury [aged 60] and Maria Elizabeth Tollemache Marchioness Ailesbury [aged 23] were married at Ham House, Richmond, Surrey. She by marriage Marchioness Ailesbury. The difference in their ages was 36 years. He the son of Thomas Brudenell 1st Earl Ailesbury and Susanna Hoare Countess Ailesbury.
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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On 31st December 1713 Edward Proger [aged 92] died. He was buried under his pew at Hampton Richmond, Surrey.
On 17th June 1865 Charles Fitzroy [aged 73] died at Hampton Richmond, Surrey.
Hampton Court Bridge [Map] is a bridge on the River Thames.
On 3rd July 1933 Twickenham Bridge [Map], Hampton Court Bridge [Map] and Chiswick Bridge [Map] were opened by the Prince of Wales [aged 39].
On 16th November 1327 Archbishop Walter Reynolds died at Mortlake, Richmond.
On 3rd August 1537 Gregory Cromwell 1st Baron Cromwell Oakham [aged 17] and Elizabeth Seymour Baroness Cromwell Oakham [aged 19] were married at Mortlake, Richmond. He the son of Thomas Cromwell 1st Earl Essex [aged 52] and Elizabeth Wyckes.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 12th May 1662. Mr. Townsend called us up by four o'clock; and by five the three ladies, my wife and I, and Mr. Townsend, his son and daughter, were got to the barge and set out. We walked from Mortlake, Richmond to Richmond, Surrey [Map], and so to boat again. And from Teddington to Hampton Court [Map] Mr. Townsend and I walked again. And then met the ladies, and were showed the whole house by Mr. Marriott; which is indeed nobly furnished, particularly the Queen's [aged 23] bed, given her by the States of Holland; a looking-glass sent by the Queen-Mother [aged 52] from France, hanging in the Queen's chamber, and many brave pictures.
John Evelyn's Diary. 5th May 1664. Went with some company a journey of pleasure on the water, in a barge, with music, and at Mortlake had a great banquet, returning late. The occasion was, Sir Robert Carr [aged 27] now courting Mrs. Bennett, sister to the Secretary of State [aged 46].
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 5th August 1666. So home, and had a good dinner, and after dinner with my wife, and Mercer, and Jane by water, all the afternoon up as high as Morclaeke with great pleasure, and a fine day, reading over the second part of "The Siege of Rhodes", with great delight. We landed and walked at Barne-elmes, and then at the Neat Houses I landed and bought a millon, [melon] and we did also land and eat and drink at Wandsworth, Surrey, and so to the Old Swan [Map], and thence walked home. It being a mighty fine cool evening, and there being come, my wife and I spent an houre in the garden, talking of our living in the country, when I shall be turned out of the office, as I fear the Parliament may find faults enough with the office to remove us all, and I am joyed to think in how good a condition I am to retire thither, and have wherewith very well to subsist. Nan, at Sir W. Pen's [aged 45], lately married to one Markeham, a kinsman of Sir W. Pen's, a pretty wench she is.
On 15th June 1754 Thomas Pelham 1st Earl Chichester [aged 26] and Anne Frankland Countess Chichester [aged 19] were married at Mortlake, Richmond.
Richmond Bridge [Map] is a bridge over the River Thames opened in September 1777.
The History of William Marshal was commissioned by his son shortly after William’s death in 1219 to celebrate the Marshal’s remarkable life; it is an authentic, contemporary voice. The manuscript was discovered in 1861 by French historian Paul Meyer. Meyer published the manuscript in its original Anglo-French in 1891 in two books. This book is a line by line translation of the first of Meyer’s books; lines 1-10152. Book 1 of the History begins in 1139 and ends in 1194. It describes the events of the Anarchy, the role of William’s father John, John’s marriages, William’s childhood, his role as a hostage at the siege of Newbury, his injury and imprisonment in Poitou where he met Eleanor of Aquitaine and his life as a knight errant. It continues with the accusation against him of an improper relationship with Margaret, wife of Henry the Young King, his exile, and return, the death of Henry the Young King, the rebellion of Richard, the future King Richard I, war with France, the death of King Henry II, and the capture of King Richard, and the rebellion of John, the future King John. It ends with the release of King Richard and the death of John Marshal.
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Calendar of State Papers in the Archives of Venice. 5th August 1531. We next went to another palace, called Richmond, where the Princess [aged 15], her daughter, resides; and having asked the maggiordomo for permission to see her, he spoke to the chamberlain, and then to the governess [Margaret York aka Pole Countess of Salisbury [aged 57]], and they made us wait. Then after seeing the palace we returned into a hall, and having entered a spacious chamber where there were some venerable old men with whom we discoursed, the Princess came forth accompanied by a noble lady advanced in years, who is her governess, and by six maids of honour (donzelle). We kissed her hand, and she asked us how long we had been in England, and if we had seen their Majesties, her father and mother, and what we thought of the country; she then turned to her attendants, desiring them to treat us well, and withdrew into her chamber. This Princess is not very tall, has a pretty face, and is well proportioned (disposta) with a very beautiful complexion, and is 15 years old. She speaks Spanish, French, and Latin, besides her own mother-English tongue, is well grounded in Greek, and understands Italian, but does not venture to speak it. She sings excellently, and plays on several instruments, so that she combines every accomplishment. We were then taken to a sumptuous repast, after which we returned to our lodging, whither, according to the fashion of the country, the Princess sent us a present of wine and ale (which last is another beverage of theirs), and white bread. On the next day, which was the 6th, we returned to London to the house of our ambassador, where we remained two days, and then by boat went down the Thames, which is very broad, and covered with swans, and thus we got to Dover the passage port.
Diary of Edward VI. 4th October 1550. Removing to Richemond.
On 27th October 1897 Princess Mary Adelaide Hanover [aged 63] died at White Lodge Richmond Park, Surrey. She was buried at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle [Map].
St Mary Magdalene Church, Richmond is also in Churches in Surrey.
On 14th March 1774 Charles Medows aka Pierrepont 1st Earl Manvers [aged 36] and Anne Mills Countess Manvers [aged 27] were married at St Mary Magdalene Church, Richmond [Map].
On 4th February 1816 Richard Fitzwilliam 7th Viscount Fitzwilliam [aged 70] died unmarried. He was buried at St Mary Magdalene Church, Richmond [Map]. His brother John [aged 63] succeeded 8th Viscount Fitzwilliam of Mount Merrion House in Dublin.
Stane Street to Chichester is a 91km Roman Road from Noviomagus Reginorum [Map] aka Chichester to London crossing the land of the Atrebates in use by 70AD. Its route took it from London Bridge [Map] along Newington Causeway [Map] past Merton Priory, Surrey [Map] to Ewell [Map], through Sutton, Surrey [Map], past the boundary of Nonsuch Palace [Map] to Thirty Acre Barn, Surrey [Map], then near to Juniper Hall Field Centre, Surrey [Map] near Mickleham, then crossing the River Mole near to Burford Bridge [Map] southwards to Dorking, Surrey [Map] (although the route here is vague) to North Holmwood, Surrey [Map], Ockley, Surrey [Map], Rowhook, Surrey [Map] after which it crossed the River Arun at Alfodean Bridge, Surrey [Map] where some of the timber piles on which the bridge was built are still present in the river bed. Thereafter the road travels broadly straight to Billingshurst [Map], Pulborough [Map] where it crosses the River Arun again, then passing the Roman Villa at Bignor [Map] before entering the East Gate [Map] at Noviomagus Reginorum aka Chichester.