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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St Andrew's Church, Denton is in Denton, Churches in Lincolnshire.
St Andrew's Church, Denton [Map]. Various. Monument to the Welby family including their wives.
St Andrew's Church, Denton [Map]. In ashlar. The latin raised letter inscription is set in an egg and dart surround, flanked by Ionic Pilasters and free standing Composite fluted columns, supporting a pediment containing a pair of naked female figures holding hour glasses leaning on a skull. The frieze is decorated with medallions. The reclining figure of the deceased, his prayer book in hand, lies on a half rolled up mattress on a tomb chest on which are portrayed his wife and six children, all named in raised letters.
On 5th April 1713 Richard Welby [aged 55] died. Monument at St Andrew's Church, Denton [Map]. Sculpted by Thomas Green of Camberwell [aged 54]. The fully wigged standing life sized figure of the deceased stands in an arched surround flanked by fluted Pilasters with acanthus scrolls and broken segmental pediment contaning a cherub and putti leaning down from heaven holding a metal coronet, surmounted by an achievement. Beneath is he inscription panel and to either side putti holding memento mori, and mourning, one with tears.
The inscription reads:
M.S.
Here are deposited the Remains of
Richard Welby of Denton Esqr
Lord of the Mannours of Welby Streglethorp Saperton and
Swinsted and High Sheriff of the County of Lincoln 1705
A Gentleman of an ancient & Virtuous Family, a good Christian
a Loyal Subject, a true lover of the Church
a sincere Respector of its Clergy and
a daily Frequentor of its Worship
In His private Character, Modest, Humble and Courteous
of great Probity and universal Charity
The Poor lost in him a liberal and silent Benefactor
his Tenants, a forbearing Landlord;
his Servants, a kind and prudent master;
his Relations, an invaluable Friend;
his Children, a most indulgent Father and
his Mournfull Wife ye Best of Husbands.
He marry'd Mary Daughter & Sole Heiress of John Towers of
the Isle of Ely Esqr, by whom he had Issue;
Mary Interred here, Selina, William and John twins, Eleanor & Richard
After a tedious Sickness, which he bore with exemplary patience
and resignation, he dyed on Easter day 1713
In hopes of a Joyfull Resurrection; & lament his loss
the Righteous shall be had in everlasting Remembrance
MARY his once happy Wife now Sorrowfull Relict
??????? her own Affection
Erected this Monument Dec 10 1714.
Mary Welby
Ob June 8 1759
Ae 74
Richard Welby: In 1658 he was born. Before 1713 he and Mary Towers were married.
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