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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Scilly Isles is in Cornwall.
In 1597 William Godolphin (age 30) was appointed Lieutenant Governor of the Scilly Isles.
In 1608 William Godolphin (age 41) was appointed Governor of the Scilly Isles.
Before 1636 William Godolphin was appointed Governor of the Scilly Isles.
Around April 1646 King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 15) travelled to Scilly Isles [Map].
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 30th October 1661. At my coming home I am sorry to find my wife displeased with her maid Doll, whose fault is that she cannot keep her peace, but will always be talking in an angry manner, though it be without any reason and to no purpose, which I am sorry for and do see the inconvenience that do attend the increase of a man's fortune by being forced to keep more servants, which brings trouble. Sir Henry Vane (age 48), Lambert (age 42), and others, are lately sent suddenly away from the Tower, prisoners to Scilly [Map]; but I do not think there is any plot as is said, but only a pretence; as there was once pretended often against the Cavaliers.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 7th May 1662. Walked to Westminster; where I understand the news that Mr. Montagu (age 27) is this last night come to the King (age 31) with news, that he left the Queen (age 23) and fleet in the Bay of Biscay, coming this wayward; and that he believes she is now at the Isle of Scilly [Map].
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 15th February 1665. Up and to my office, where busy all the morning. At noon with Creed to dinner to Trinity-house, where a very good dinner among the old sokers, where an extraordinary discourse of the manner of the loss of the "Royall Oake" coming home from Bantam, upon the rocks of Scilly [Map], many passages therein very extraordinary, and if I can I will get it in writing.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 11th April 1667. At noon I to the 'Change [Map], and there hear by Mr. Hublon of the loss of a little East Indiaman, valued at about £20,000, coming home alone, and safe to within ten leagues of Scilly [Map], and there snapt by a French Caper. Our merchants do much pray for peace; and he tells me that letters are come that the Dutch have stopped the fitting of their great ships, and the coming out of a fleete of theirs of 50 sayle, that was ready to come out; but I doubt the truth of it yet.
The 1707 Scilly Naval Disaster was the loss of four warships of a Royal Navy fleet off the Scilly Isles [Map] in severe weather on 22nd October 1707. Around 1,700 sailors lost their lives; one of the worst maritime disasters in British naval history.
On 18th April 1733 Francis Godolphin 2nd Earl Godolphin (age 54) was appointed Governor of the Scilly Isles.
In 1739 Francis Godolphin 2nd Baron Goldolphin (age 32) was appointed Lieutenant Governor of the Scilly Isles.
Chronicle of Walter of Guisborough
A canon regular of the Augustinian Guisborough Priory, Yorkshire, formerly known as The Chronicle of Walter of Hemingburgh, describes the period from 1066 to 1346. Before 1274 the Chronicle is based on other works. Thereafter, the Chronicle is original, and a remarkable source for the events of the time. This book provides a translation of the Chronicle from that date. The Latin source for our translation is the 1849 work edited by Hans Claude Hamilton. Hamilton, in his preface, says: 'In the present work we behold perhaps one of the finest samples of our early chronicles, both as regards the value of the events recorded, and the correctness with which they are detailed; Nor will the pleasing style of composition be lightly passed over by those capable of seeing reflected from it the tokens of a vigorous and cultivated mind, and a favourable specimen of the learning and taste of the age in which it was framed.'
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In 1766 Francis Godolphin 2nd Baron Goldolphin (age 59) was appointed Governor of the Scilly Isles.
Sidney Godolphin was appointed Governor of the Scilly Isles.
Thomas Godolphin was appointed Governor of the Scilly Isles.