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 Nicholas Church, West Tanfield, North Yorkshire is in West Tanfield, North Yorkshire [Map], Churches in North Yorkshire.
Interior of St Nicholas Church, West Tanfield, North Yorkshire [Map].
On 25th February 1387 John Grey aka Marmion (age 44) died in Spain. In 1400 Elizabeth St Quentin (age 40) died.
Monument in St Nicholas Church, West Tanfield, North Yorkshire [Map]. Camail and Jupon Period. Lancastrian Esses Collar. Hip Belt. Feathered Crest on Great Helm. Angels Supporting Pillow. His bascinet has decorated edges with the camail appearing to attach inside the bascinet. Decorated flat band. She wearing a unusual headress which appears to be a cross between Gabled Headress and Bongrace. Her dress long with a Low Rounded Neckline and appears to be decoated with an armorial: vair at the top, chevrons at the bottom, which may be 
Marmion Arms or a variation of.
John Grey aka Marmion: In 1343 he was born to John Grey 1st Baron Grey and Avice Marmion Baroness Grey Rotherfield. Before 25th February 1387 John Grey aka Marmion and Elizabeth St Quentin were married.
Elizabeth St Quentin: Before 1347 she was born to Herbert St Quentin and Mary Lisle.
Monumental Effigies. Described by Hollis as Robert de Marmion? There is no known Robert Marmion who married Lora? The effigy is of John Grey aka Marmion and his wife Elizabeth St Quentin (age 53) at St Nicholas Church, West Tanfield, North Yorkshire [Map].
The River Ure rises at Ure Head, North Yorkshire [Map] after which it over Aysgarth Falls [Map], past Middleham Castle [Map], Jervaulx Abbey, North Yorkshire [Map], St Nicholas Church, West Tanfield, North Yorkshire [Map], east of Ripon, North Yorkshire [Map], under the bridge at Boroughbridge [Map] after which it is joined by the River Swale to form the River Ouse.