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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Wootton Lodge, Ellastone is in Ellastone, Staffordshire.
In 1560 John Fleetwood (age 43) puchased Wootton Lodge, Ellastone [Map] from William Cecil 1st Baron Burghley (age 39).
Between 06 Oct 1590, when he made his will, and 13 Oct 1590, when he was buried, John Fleetwood (age 73) died. He had intended to be buried at St Peter's Church, Ellastone where he had had a tomb prepared but died in Lancashire and was buried there. The tomb is believed to contain the remains of his son Thomas Fleetwood (age 30). His son Thomas Fleetwood inherited Wootton Lodge, Ellastone [Map].
Thomas Fleetwood: Around 1560 he was born to John Fleetwood. In 1603 he died. His son Richard Fleetwood 1st Baronet inherited Wootton Lodge, Ellastone [Map].
In 1603 Thomas Fleetwood (age 43) died. His son Richard Fleetwood 1st Baronet inherited Wootton Lodge, Ellastone [Map].
Around 1611 Wotton Lodge [Map] was built for Richard Fleetwood 1st Baronet.
In 1766 Wootton Lodge, Ellastone [Map] was the residence of he Grench writer Rouseau.
On 13 Dec 1813 Lieutenant-Colonel James William Edward Wheeler Unwin (age 50) died at Marseilles, France. His brother Reverend Edward Unwin (age 46) inherited Wootton Lodge, Ellastone [Map]. Memorial at St Peter's Church, Ellastone: "Much and deservedly lamented, most of all by those who knowing most of him, best knew how to appreciate his worth, his integrity of heart, humane and benevolent disposition which flowing from Christian principles, ennobled a character justly held in professional esteem and constitutes its best memorial. This tribute of sincere esteem and affection is paid by his nearest surviving relations who find, in the record, a consolation for their loss."
Lieutenant-Colonel James William Edward Wheeler Unwin: Around 1763 he was born to James Unwin and Frances Wheeler.
Reverend Edward Unwin: In 1767 he was born to James Unwin and Frances Wheeler. On 22 Nov 1847 he died.
1857. Wootton Lodge, Ellastone [Map].
1910. Country Life Magazine. Wootton Lodge, Ellastone [Map]
IN 1922 Mary Unwin (age 78) died. Captain Edward Unwin (age 57) inherited Wootton Lodge, Ellastone [Map]. He then sold it to Brigadier-General Smith Hill Child 2nd Baronet (age 42).
In 1950 Brigadier-General Smith Hill Child 2nd Baronet (age 70) sold Wootton Lodge, Ellastone [Map] to Alan Rook.
Around 1950. Wootton Lodge, Ellastone [Map]
1959. Country Life Magazine. Wootton Lodge, Ellastone [Map]