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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Duke Westminster

Duke Westminster is in Dukedoms of England Alphabetically, Dukedoms of England Chronologically, Extant Dukedoms of England.

Summary

1874. Hugh Lupus Grosvenor 1st Duke Westminster (age 48) created.

22nd December 1899. Grandson Hugh "Bendor" Grosvenor 2nd Duke Westminster (age 20) succeeded.

19th July 1953. First Cousin William Grosvenor 3rd Duke Westminster (age 58) succeeded.

22nd February 1963. Half First Cousin Gerald Hugh Grosvenor 4th Duke Westminster (age 56) succeeded.

25th February 1967. Brother Robert George Grosvenor 5th Duke Westminster (age 56) succeeded.

19th February 1979. Son Gerald Cavendish Grosvenor 6th Duke Westminster (age 27) succeeded.

9th August 2016. Son Hugh Grosvenor 7th Duke of Westminster (age 25) succeeded.

In 1874 Hugh Lupus Grosvenor 1st Duke Westminster (age 48) was created 1st Duke Westminster. Constance Leveson-Gower Duchess Westminster (age 39) by marriage Duchess Westminster.

In June 1882 Hugh Lupus Grosvenor 1st Duke Westminster (age 56) and Katherine Cavendish Duchess Westminster (age 25) were married. She by marriage Duchess Westminster. The difference in their ages was 31 years. He the son of Richard Grosvenor 2nd Marquess Westminster and Elizabeth Mary Leveson-Gower Marchioness Westminster (age 85). They were second cousin twice removed.

On 22nd December 1899 Hugh Lupus Grosvenor 1st Duke Westminster (age 74) died. His grandson Hugh (age 20) succeeded 2nd Duke Westminster, 4th Marquess Westminster, 5th Earl Grosvenor, 11th Baronet Grosvenor of Eaton in Cheshire. Monument in Grosvenor Chapel, St Mary's Church, Eccleston [Map] sculpted by Leon Joseph Chavalliaud (age 41).

On 16th February 1901 Hugh "Bendor" Grosvenor 2nd Duke Westminster (age 21) and Constance Edwina "Shelagh" Cornwallis-West Duchess Westminster (age 25) were married. She by marriage Duchess Westminster.

On 20th February 1930 Hugh "Bendor" Grosvenor 2nd Duke Westminster (age 50) and Loelia Mary Ponsonby Duchess Westminster (age 28) were married. She by marriage Duchess Westminster. His third marriage; her first. Winston Churchill (age 55) was best man. They were married until 1947 when the marriage was dissolved. No issue. The difference in their ages was 22 years. They were fourth cousin once removed.

On 19th July 1953 Hugh "Bendor" Grosvenor 2nd Duke Westminster (age 74) died. His first cousin William (age 58) succeeded 3rd Duke Westminster, 5th Marquess Westminster, 6th Earl Grosvenor, 12th Baronet Grosvenor of Eaton in Cheshire.

On 22nd February 1963 William Grosvenor 3rd Duke Westminster (age 68) died. He was buried at St Mary's Church, Eccleston [Map]. His half first cousin Gerald (age 56) succeeded 4th Duke Westminster, 6th Marquess Westminster, 7th Earl Grosvenor, 13th Baronet Grosvenor of Eaton in Cheshire.

On 25th February 1967 Gerald Hugh Grosvenor 4th Duke Westminster (age 60) died. His brother Robert (age 56) succeeded 5th Duke Westminster, 7th Marquess Westminster, 8th Earl Grosvenor, 14th Baronet Grosvenor of Eaton in Cheshire. Viola Maud Lyttelton Duchess Westminster (age 54) by marriage Duchess Westminster.

Abbot John Whethamstede’s Chronicle of the Abbey of St Albans

Abbot John Whethamstede's Register aka Chronicle of his second term at the Abbey of St Albans, 1451-1461, is a remarkable text that describes his first-hand experience of the beginning of the Wars of the Roses including the First and Second Battles of St Albans, 1455 and 1461, respectively, their cause, and their consequences, not least on the Abbey itself. His text also includes Loveday, Blore Heath, Northampton, the Act of Accord, Wakefield, and Towton, and ends with the Coronation of King Edward IV. In addition to the events of the Wars of the Roses, Abbot John, or his scribes who wrote the Chronicle, include details in the life of the Abbey such as charters, letters, land exchanges, visits by legates, and disputes, which provide a rich insight into the day-to-day life of the Abbey, and the challenges faced by its Abbot.

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On 19th February 1979 Robert George Grosvenor 5th Duke Westminster (age 68) died. His son Gerald (age 27) succeeded 6th Duke Westminster, 8th Marquess Westminster, 9th Earl Grosvenor, 15th Baronet Grosvenor of Eaton in Cheshire. Natalia Phillips Duchess of Westminster (age 19) by marriage Duchess Westminster.

On 9th August 2016 Gerald Cavendish Grosvenor 6th Duke Westminster (age 64) died. His son Hugh (age 25) succeeded 7th Duke Westminster, 9th Marquess Westminster, 10th Earl Grosvenor, 16th Baronet Grosvenor of Eaton in Cheshire.