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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Earl Chester is in Earldoms of England Alphabetically.
1301 Edward II Created Prince of Wales
1483 Edward of Middleham created Prince of Wales
1484 Death of King Richard III's Heir
1504 Henry Tudor created Prince of Wales
1537 Birth and Christening Edward VI
1547 Death of Henry VIII Accession of Edward VI
1610 Prince Henry invested as Prince of Wales and Earl Chester
There have been eight creations of Earl Chester:
1st. 1071. Hugh of Avranches 1st Earl Chester. Merged with the Crown. 6th June 1237.
2nd. 1264. Simon de Montfort 6th Earl of Leicester 1st Earl Chester. Forfeit. 4th August 1265. Battle of Evesham.
3rd. 7th February 1301. King Edward II of England. Merged with the Crown. 7th July 1307. Death of King Edward I.
4th. 8th September 1483. Edward York Prince of Wales. Extinct. 9th April 1484. Death of King Richard III's Heir.
5th. 29th November 1489. Prince Arthur Tudor. Extinct. 2nd April 1502. Death of Prince Arthur.
6th. 18th February 1504. King Henry VIII of England and Ireland. Merged with the Crown. 21st April 1509. Death of Henry VII.
7th. 15th October 1537. King Edward VI of England and Ireland. Merged with the Crown. 28th January 1547. Death of Henry VIII Accession of Edward VI.
8th. 1st June 1610. Henry Frederick Stewart Prince of Wales. Extinct. 6th November 1612. Death of Prince Frederick.
Earl Chester is also in Earldoms of England Chronologically, Merged with the Crown Earldoms of England.
Summary
1071. Hugh of Avranches 1st Earl Chester [aged 24] created.
1107. Son Richard Avranches 2nd Earl Chester [aged 13] succeeded.
November 1120. First Cousin Ranulf le Meschin Gernon 3rd Earl Chester [aged 50] succeeded.
January 1129. Son Ranulf Gernon 4th Earl Chester [aged 30] succeeded.
16th December 1153. Son Hugh de Kevelioc Gernon 5th Earl Chester [aged 6] succeeded.
30th June 1181. Son Ranulf de Blondeville Gernon 6th Earl Chester 1st Earl Lincoln [aged 11] succeeded.
26th October 1232. Nephew John Dunkeld 9th Earl Huntingdon 7th Earl Chester 8th Earl Northampton [aged 25] succeeded.
6th June 1237. Elen ferch Llewellyn Aberffraw Countess Huntingdon and Mar [aged 19] merged with the crown.
Around 1071 Hugh of Avranches 1st Earl Chester [aged 24] was created 1st Earl Chester.
Before 1094 Hugh of Avranches 1st Earl Chester [aged 46] and Ermentrude Clermont Countess Chester [aged 35] were married. She by marriage Countess Chester. She the daughter of Hugh Clermont Count of Clermont-en-Beauvaisis [aged 63].
In 1107 Richard Avranches 2nd Earl Chester [aged 13] succeeded 2nd Earl Chester. Lucia Mahaut Blois Countess Chester by marriage Countess Chester.
In November 1120 Ranulf le Meschin Gernon 3rd Earl Chester [aged 50] succeeded 3rd Earl Chester. Lucy Bolingbroke Countess Chester by marriage Countess Chester.
In January 1129 Ranulf le Meschin Gernon 3rd Earl Chester [aged 59] died. He was buried at Chester Cathedral [Map]. His son Ranulf [aged 30] succeeded 4th Earl Chester.
In or before 1147 Ranulf Gernon 4th Earl Chester [aged 47] and Matilda Fitzrobert Countess Chester were married. She by marriage Countess Chester. She the daughter of Robert Normandy 1st Earl Gloucester [aged 48] and Mabel Fitzhamon Countess Gloucester. He the son of Ranulf le Meschin Gernon 3rd Earl Chester and Lucy Bolingbroke Countess Chester. They were half third cousins. She a granddaughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England.
On 16th December 1153 Ranulf Gernon 4th Earl Chester [aged 54] died from poisoning by William "The Younger" Peverell [aged 73]. His son Hugh [aged 6] succeeded 5th Earl Chester. William "The Younger" Peverell was exiled.
The Deeds of the Dukes of Normandy
The Gesta Normannorum Ducum [The Deeds of the Dukes of Normandy] is a landmark medieval chronicle tracing the rise and fall of the Norman dynasty from its early roots through the pivotal events surrounding the Norman Conquest of England. Originally penned in Latin by the monk William of Jumièges shortly before 1060 and later expanded at the behest of William the Conqueror, the work chronicles the deeds, politics, battles, and leadership of the Norman dukes, especially William’s own claim to the English throne. The narrative combines earlier historical sources with firsthand information and oral testimony to present an authoritative account of Normandy’s transformation from a Viking settlement into one of medieval Europe’s most powerful realms. William’s history emphasizes the legitimacy, military prowess, and governance of the Norman line, framing their expansion, including the conquest of England, as both divinely sanctioned and noble in purpose. Later chroniclers such as Orderic Vitalis and Robert of Torigni continued the history, extending the coverage into the 12th century, providing broader context on ducal rule and its impact. Today this classic work remains a foundational source for understanding Norman identity, medieval statesmanship, and the historical forces that reshaped England and Western Europe between 800AD and 1100AD.
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In 1169 Hugh de Kevelioc Gernon 5th Earl Chester [aged 22] and Bertrade Montfort Countess Chester were married. She by marriage Countess Chester. She the daughter of Simon "Chauve" Montfort 4th Count Évreux [aged 41] and Mathilde Unknown Countess Évreux [aged 49]. He the son of Ranulf Gernon 4th Earl Chester and Matilda Fitzrobert Countess Chester. They were fifth cousin once removed. He a great grandson of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England.
On 30th June 1181 Hugh de Kevelioc Gernon 5th Earl Chester [aged 34] died at Leek, Staffordshire [Map]. His son Ranulf [aged 11] succeeded 6th Earl Chester.
In 1188 Ranulf de Blondeville Gernon 6th Earl Chester 1st Earl Lincoln [aged 18] and Constance Penthièvre Duchess Brittany [aged 27] were married. She by marriage Countess Chester. She the daughter of Conan "The Young" Penthièvre IV Duke Brittany and Margaret Dunkeld Duchess Brittany [aged 43]. He the son of Hugh de Kevelioc Gernon 5th Earl Chester and Bertrade Montfort Countess Chester. They were half third cousins. He a great x 2 grandson of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England. She a great x 2 granddaughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England.
On 26th October 1232 Ranulf de Blondeville Gernon 6th Earl Chester 1st Earl Lincoln [aged 62] died at Wallingford Castle [Map]. His nephew John [aged 25] succeeded 7th Earl Chester.
On 6th June 1237 John Dunkeld 9th Earl Huntingdon 7th Earl Chester 8th Earl Northampton [aged 30] died. Matthew Paris suggests he was poisoned by his wife Elen ferch Llewellyn Aberffraw Countess Huntingdon and Mar [aged 19]. Earl Huntingdon, Earl of Northampton extinct. Earl Chester merged with the Crown.
Earl Chester is also in Earldoms of England Chronologically, Forfeit Earldoms of England.
Summary
1264. Simon de Montfort 6th Earl of Leicester 1st Earl Chester [aged 56] created.
4th August 1265. Simon de Montfort 6th Earl of Leicester 1st Earl Chester forfeit. See Battle of Evesham.
In 1264 Simon de Montfort 6th Earl of Leicester 1st Earl Chester [aged 56] was created 1st Earl Chester. It isn't clear whether this creation took place before or after the Battle of Northampton or the Battle of Lewes.
On 4th August 1265 the army loyal to King Henry III of England [aged 57], led by his son the future King Edward I of England [aged 26], supported by Gilbert "Red Earl" Clare 7th Earl Gloucester 6th Earl Hertford [aged 21], Warin Basingburne and John Giffard 1st Baron Giffard Brimpsfield [aged 33] defeated the rebel army of Simon de Montfort 6th Earl of Leicester 1st Earl Chester [aged 57] at the Battle of Evesham.
Roger Leybourne [aged 50] fought and reputedly saved the King's life.
Adam Mohaut rescued the King.
Alan de Plugenet of Kilpec fought for the King.
Simon de Montfort 6th Earl of Leicester 1st Earl Chester was killed. Earl of Leicester, Earl Chester forfeit. His son Henry Montfort [aged 26] was also killed.
Hugh Despencer [aged 41] was killed by Roger Mortimer 1st Baron Mortimer of Wigmore [aged 34]. Baron Despencer extinct. It may not have been created as a hereditary barony.
Simon Beauchamp [aged 31], Ralph Basset [aged 50], William Devereux [aged 46], Hugh Troyes, Richard Trussel, Peter Montfort [aged 60], William Mandeville, William Crepping, William Birmingham, Guy Balliol and Thomas Astley [aged 50] were killed. Henry Hastings [aged 30], Humphrey Bohun [aged 44], Nicholas Segrave 1st Baron Segrave [aged 27], John Vesci, John Fitzjohn and Guy Montfort Count Nola [aged 21] were captured.
John Vesci was wounded and taken prisoner.
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Earl Chester is also in Earldoms of England Chronologically, Merged with the Crown Earldoms of England.
Summary
7th February 1301. King Edward II of England [aged 16] created. See Edward II Created Prince of Wales.
7th July 1307. King Edward II of England merged with the crown. See Death of King Edward I.
On 7th February 1301 King Edward II of England [aged 16] was created Prince of Wales by his father King Edward I of England [aged 61]; the first English heir to receive the title. He was created 1st Earl Chester the same day.
On 7th July 1307 King Edward I of England [aged 68] died at Burgh by Sands [Map] whilst on his way north to Scotland. His son Edward [aged 23] succeeded II King of England. Earl Chester merged with the Crown.
Edward had gathered around him Thomas Plantagenet 2nd Earl of Leicester, 2nd Earl Lancaster, Earl of Salisbury and Lincoln [aged 29], Guy Beauchamp 10th Earl Warwick [aged 35], Aymer de Valence 2nd Earl Pembroke [aged 32] and Robert Clifford 1st Baron Clifford [aged 33] and charged them with looking after his son in particular ensuring Piers Gaveston 1st Earl Cornwall [aged 23] didn't return from exile.
Earl Chester is also in Earldoms of England Chronologically, Extinct Earldoms of England.
Summary
8th September 1483. Edward York Prince of Wales [aged 9] created. See Edward of Middleham created Prince of Wales.
9th April 1484. King Richard III of England [aged 31] extinct. See Death of King Richard III's Heir.
On 8th September 1483 Edward York Prince of Wales [aged 9] was created Prince of Wales and 1st Earl Chester at York Minster [Map]. His parents Richard III [aged 30] and Anne Neville [aged 27] attended as did Edward Stafford 2nd Earl Wiltshire [aged 13].
Edward "Last Plantagenet" York 17th Earl Warwick [aged 8] and John York [aged 12] were knighted.
Note. Hall's Chronicle places the date at 05 Jul 1483.
On 9th April 1484 Edward York Prince of Wales [aged 10] died at Middleham Castle [Map] leaving his father King Richard III of England [aged 31] without an heir. Duke of Cornwall, Earl Salisbury, Earl Chester extinct.
Earl Chester is also in Earldoms of England Chronologically, Extinct Earldoms of England.
Summary
29th November 1489. Prince Arthur Tudor [aged 3] created.
2nd April 1502. Prince Arthur Tudor extinct. See Death of Prince Arthur.
On 29th November 1489 Prince Arthur Tudor [aged 3] was created 1st Earl Chester.
On 2nd April 1502 Prince Arthur Tudor [aged 15] died at Ludlow Castle [Map]. Earl Chester extinct. The cause of death unknown other than being reported as "a malign vapour which proceeded from the air". Catherine of Aragon [aged 16] had recovered.
Earl Chester is also in Earldoms of England Chronologically, Merged with the Crown Earldoms of England.
Summary
18th February 1504. King Henry VIII of England and Ireland [aged 12] created. See Henry Tudor created Prince of Wales.
21st April 1509. King Henry VIII of England and Ireland merged with the crown. See Death of Henry VII.
On 18th February 1504 Henry VIII [aged 12] was created Prince of Wales and 1st Earl Chester. John Mordaunt 1st Baron Mordaunt [aged 24] was created Knight of the Bath. Richard Empson [aged 54] was knighted.
On 21st April 1509 King Henry VII of England and Ireland [aged 52] died of tuberculosis at Richmond Palace [Map]. His son Henry VIII [aged 17] succeeded VIII King of England. Duke York and Earl Chester merged with the Crown.
Earl Chester is also in Earldoms of England Chronologically, Merged with the Crown Earldoms of England.
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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Summary
15th October 1537. King Edward VI of England and Ireland created. See Birth and Christening Edward VI.
28th January 1547. King Edward VI of England and Ireland merged with the crown. See Death of Henry VIII Accession of Edward VI.
On 15th October 1537 the future Edward VI was christened by Bishop John Stokesley [aged 62] at the Chapel Royal in Hampton Court Palace [Map]. Archbishop Thomas Cranmer [aged 48] performed the Baptismal Rites, and was appointed Godfather. Thomas Howard 3rd Duke of Norfolk [aged 64] and Queen Mary I of England and Ireland [aged 21] were Godparents.
King Edward VI of England and Ireland was created Duke of Cornwall, 1st Earl Chester.
Henry Bourchier 2nd Earl Essex 3rd Count of Eu carried the Salt. Charles Brandon 1st Duke of Suffolk [aged 53] was Godfather and supported the Marchioness of Exeter. Richard Long [aged 43] was knighted. Thomas Cromwell 1st Earl Essex [aged 52], Philip Boteler [aged 45], John de Vere 15th Earl of Oxford [aged 66] and John Gage [aged 57] attended. Mary Scrope [aged 61] carried Lady Mary's train. Robert Radclyffe 1st Earl of Sussex [aged 54] carried a covered basin. Robert Radclyffe 1st Earl of Sussex carried the canopy.
Edward Seymour 1st Duke of Somerset [aged 37] helped his young niece the future Elizabeth I to carry the Crisom. Henry Courtenay 1st Marquess Exeter [aged 41] supported his wife Gertrude Blount Marchioness of Exeter [aged 34] to carry the child. Thomas Boleyn 1st Earl Wiltshire and Ormonde [aged 60] bore a taper of virgin wax. William Fitzalan 11th or 18th Earl of Arundel [aged 61] carried the train of the Prince's robe. Christopher Barker proclaimed the Prince's titles.
Edward Seymour 1st Duke of Somerset was created 1st Earl Hertford.
Nicholas Carew [aged 41], Francis Bryan [aged 47], Anthony Browne [aged 37] and John Russell 1st Earl Bedford [aged 52] surrounded the font.
Henry Knyvet of Charlton Wiltshire [aged 27], Edward Neville [aged 66], Thomas Seymour 1st Baron Seymour [aged 29], Richard Long and John Wallop [aged 47] carried the canopy.
Arthur Hopton [aged 48], Bishop Robert Parfew aka Warton and Bishop John Bell attended.
William Fitzwilliam 1st Earl of Southampton [aged 47] was created 1st Earl of Southampton. Mabel Clifford Countess Southampton [aged 55] by marriage Countess of Southampton.
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On 28th January 1547 Henry VIII [aged 55] died at Whitehall Palace [Map]. His son Edward [aged 9] succeeded VI King of England. Earl Chester merged with the Crown.
Thomas Wendy [aged 46] attended the King. He was one of the witnesses to the King's last will and testament, for which he received £100.
Earl Chester is also in Earldoms of England Chronologically, Extinct Earldoms of England.
Summary
1st June 1610. Henry Frederick Stewart Prince of Wales [aged 16] created. See Prince Henry invested as Prince of Wales and Earl Chester.
6th November 1612. Henry Frederick Stewart Prince of Wales extinct. See Death of Prince Frederick.
On 1st June 1610 Prince Frederick [aged 16] was created Prince of Wales and 1st Earl Chester. Peregrine Bertie [aged 26] was appointed Knight of the Bath.
On 6th November 1612 Henry Frederick Stewart Prince of Wales [aged 18] died. Earl Chester extinct. The death of the heir to the throne significant; compare William Adelin Duke Normandy, Edward "Black Prince", Prince Arthur Tudor, Frederick Louis Hanover Prince of Wales, perhaps Edward York Prince of Wales.