Chronicle of Geoffrey le Baker of Swinbroke
Baker was a secular clerk from Swinbroke, now Swinbrook, an Oxfordshire village two miles east of Burford. His Chronicle describes the events of the period 1303-1356: Gaveston, Bannockburn, Boroughbridge, the murder of King Edward II, the Scottish Wars, Sluys, Crécy, the Black Death, Winchelsea and Poitiers. To quote Herbert Bruce 'it possesses a vigorous and characteristic style, and its value for particular events between 1303 and 1356 has been recognised by its editor and by subsequent writers'. The book provides remarkable detail about the events it describes. Baker's text has been augmented with hundreds of notes, including extracts from other contemporary chronicles, such as the Annales Londonienses, Annales Paulini, Murimuth, Lanercost, Avesbury, Guisborough and Froissart to enrich the reader's understanding. The translation takes as its source the 'Chronicon Galfridi le Baker de Swynebroke' published in 1889, edited by Edward Maunde Thompson.
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Earl Kent is in Earldoms of England Alphabetically.
14th October 1066 Battle of Hastings
1330 Execution of Edmund of Woodstock
1407 Marriage of Edmund Holland Earl of Kent and Lucia Visconti
There have been eight creations of Earl Kent:
1st. 1020. Godwin 1st Earl Kent and Wessex. Extinct. 14th October 1066. 14th October 1066 Battle of Hastings.
2nd. 1067. Bishop Odo of Bayeux. Extinct. 1097.
3rd. 1141. William Ypres 1st Earl Kent. Extinct. 24th January 1165.
4th. 1227. Hubert de Burgh Count Mortain 1st Earl Kent. Extinct. 5th May 1243.
5th. 1321. Edmund of Woodstock 1st Earl Kent. Extinct. 26th December 1352.
6th. 1352. Thomas Holland 1st Earl Kent. Extinct. 15th September 1408. Battle of Île de Bréhat.
7th. 31st October 1461. William Neville 1st Earl Kent. Extinct. 9th January 1463.
8th. 30th May 1465. Edmund Grey 1st Earl Kent. Extinct. 5th June 1740.
Earl Kent is also in Earldoms of England Chronologically, Extinct Earldoms of England.
Summary
1020. Godwin 1st Earl Kent and Wessex [aged 19] created.
15th April 1053. Son Leofwine Godwinson 2nd Earl Kent [aged 18] succeeded.
14th October 1066. Leofwine Godwinson 2nd Earl Kent extinct. See 14th October 1066 Battle of Hastings.
In 1020 Godwin 1st Earl Kent and Wessex [aged 19] was created 1st Earl Kent.
Before 1021 Godwin 1st Earl Kent and Wessex [aged 19] and Gytha Countess Kent and Wessex were married. She by marriage Countess Kent, Countess Wessex.
On 15th April 1053 Godwin 1st Earl Kent and Wessex [aged 52] died. His son Leofwine [aged 18] succeeded 2nd Earl Kent. His son Harold Godinson [aged 31] succeeded 2nd Earl Wessex.
On 14th October 1066 the Norman army led by King William "Conqueror" I of England [aged 38] defeated the English army of King Harold II of England [aged 44] at the 14th October 1066 Battle of Hastings fought at Senlac Hill Hastings. Aimery Thouars [aged 42], Ralph de Gael 2nd Earl East Anglia [aged 24], Eustace II Count Boulogne [aged 51], William Fitzosbern 1st Earl Hereford [aged 46], Geoffrey Chateaudun II Count Mortain III Count Perche, William Warenne 1st Earl of Surrey, Raoul Tosny, Robert Beaumont 1st Earl of Leicester Count Meulan [aged 26], Hugh Grandesmil [aged 34], Roger "The Great" Montgomery 1st Earl of Shrewsbury (possibly), Robert Mortain Count Mortain 1st Earl Cornwall [aged 35] and Bishop Odo of Bayeux fought for William.
King Harold II of England was killed. Earl Wessex, Earl Hereford extinct.
Leofwine Godwinson 2nd Earl Kent [aged 31] was killed. Earl Kent extinct.
His brothers Gyrth Godwinson Earl East Anglia [aged 34] and Engenulphe Aigle [aged 56] were killed.
Earl Kent is also in Earldoms of England Chronologically, Forfeit Earldoms of England, Extinct Earldoms of England.
Summary
1067. Bishop Odo of Bayeux created.
1088. Bishop Odo of Bayeux forfeit.
1097. Bishop Odo of Bayeux extinct.
In 1067 Bishop Odo of Bayeux was created 1st Earl Kent.
In 1088 Bishop Odo of Bayeux was arrested for planning a military campaign to Rome. Earl Kent forfeit in 1088.
In 1097 Bishop Odo of Bayeux died. Earl Kent extinct.
Earl Kent is also in Earldoms of England Chronologically, Extinct Earldoms of England.
Summary
1141. William Ypres 1st Earl Kent [aged 51] created.
24th January 1165. William Ypres 1st Earl Kent extinct.
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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In 1141 William Ypres 1st Earl Kent [aged 51] was created 1st Earl Kent.
On 24th January 1165 William Ypres 1st Earl Kent [aged 75] died. Earl Kent extinct.
Earl Kent is also in Earldoms of England Chronologically, Extinct Earldoms of England.
Summary
1227. Hubert de Burgh Count Mortain 1st Earl Kent [aged 57] created.
5th May 1243. Hubert de Burgh Count Mortain 1st Earl Kent extinct.
In 1227 Hubert de Burgh Count Mortain 1st Earl Kent [aged 57] was created 1st Earl Kent.
In 1236 Hubert de Burgh Count Mortain 1st Earl Kent [aged 66] and Margaret Dunkeld Countess Kent [aged 43] were married. She by marriage Countess Kent. The difference in their ages was 23 years. She the daughter of King William I of Scotland and Ermengarde Beaumont Sarthe Queen Consort Scotland.
Before 5th May 1243 Hubert de Burgh Count Mortain 1st Earl Kent [aged 73] died at Banstead, Surrey. He was buried at Blackfriars Church Holborn. Earl Kent extinct.
Earl Kent is also in Earldoms of England Chronologically, Forfeit Earldoms of England, Extinct Earldoms of England.
Summary
1321. Edmund of Woodstock 1st Earl Kent [aged 19] created.
19th March 1330. Edmund of Woodstock 1st Earl Kent forfeit. See Execution of Edmund of Woodstock.
1331. Son Edmund Plantagenet 2nd Earl Kent [aged 5] restored.
5th October 1331. Brother John Plantagenet 3rd Earl Kent [aged 1] succeeded.
26th December 1352. John Plantagenet 3rd Earl Kent extinct.
In 1321 Edmund of Woodstock 1st Earl Kent [aged 19] was created 1st Earl Kent.
In 1325 Edmund of Woodstock 1st Earl Kent [aged 23] and Margaret Wake Countess Kent [aged 27] were married. She by marriage Countess Kent. He the son of King Edward I of England and Margaret of France Queen Consort England. They were half second cousin twice removed. She a great x 3 granddaughter of King John of England.
On 19th March 1330 the King's uncle Edmund of Woodstock 1st Earl Kent [aged 28] was beheaded at Winchester Castle [Map]. Earl Kent forfeit. Edmund had been convicted of plotting against the court believing his brother King Edward II was still alive. It later emerged the plot had been created by Roger Mortimer 1st Earl March [aged 42] to entrap Edmund. King Edward III of England [aged 17] was unable to show leniency risking complicity in the plot. He was buried at Westminster Abbey [Map].
See
Geoffrey le Baker of Swinbroke, 
Walter of Guisborough, Knighton 2555, 
Murimuth and Parliament Rolls.
In 1331 Edmund Plantagenet 2nd Earl Kent [aged 5] was restored 2nd Earl Kent.
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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Before 5th October 1331 Edmund Plantagenet 2nd Earl Kent [aged 5] died. His brother John [aged 1] succeeded 3rd Earl Kent.
On 3rd April 1348 John Plantagenet 3rd Earl Kent [aged 17] and Isabella aka Elizabeth Julich Countess Kent [aged 18] were married. She by marriage Countess Kent. She the daughter of William Jülich V Duke Jülich [aged 49] and Joanna Hainaut Duchess Guelders [aged 33]. He the son of Edmund of Woodstock 1st Earl Kent and Margaret Wake Countess Kent [aged 51]. They were half second cousin once removed. He a grandson of King Edward I of England. She a great x 5 granddaughter of King Stephen I England.
On 26th December 1352 John Plantagenet 3rd Earl Kent [aged 22] died. He was buried at Greyfriars Church, Winchester [Map]. Earl Kent extinct. His sister Joan [aged 24] succeeded 5th Baroness Wake of Liddell. Some source suggest she also succeeded as 4th Countess of Kent but this is inconsistent with 1. her husband being created Earl of Kent as a new creation, and 2. her son not succeeding to the original Earldom?
Earl Kent is also in Earldoms of England Chronologically, Extinct Earldoms of England.
Summary
1352. Thomas Holland 1st Earl Kent [aged 38] created.
26th December 1360. Son Thomas Holland 2nd Earl Kent [aged 10] succeeded.
25th April 1397. Son Thomas Holland 1st Duke Surrey [aged 23] succeeded.
7th January 1400. Brother Edmund Holland 4th Earl Kent [aged 16] succeeded. See Epiphany Rising.
15th September 1408. Edmund Holland 4th Earl Kent extinct. See Battle of Île de Bréhat.
In 1352 Thomas Holland 1st Earl Kent [aged 38] was created 1st Earl Kent, 1st Baron Holand.
On 26th December 1360 Thomas Holland 1st Earl Kent [aged 46] died. He was buried at Blackfriars Friary, Stamford [Map]. His son Thomas [aged 10] succeeded 2nd Earl Kent.
Before 13th October 1370 Thomas Holland 2nd Earl Kent [aged 20] and Alice Fitzalan Countess Kent [aged 20] were married. She by marriage Countess Kent. She the daughter of Richard Fitzalan 3rd or 10th Earl of Arundel 8th Earl of Surrey [aged 64] and Eleanor Plantagenet Countess Arundel and Surrey [aged 52]. He the son of Thomas Holland 1st Earl Kent and Joan "Fair Maid of Kent" Princess Wales [aged 42]. They were third cousins. He a great grandson of King Edward I of England. She a great x 2 granddaughter of King Henry III of England.
On 25th April 1397 Thomas Holland 2nd Earl Kent [aged 47] died. He was buried in Bourne Abbey, Lincolnshire [Map]. His son Thomas [aged 23] succeeded 3rd Earl Kent, 2nd Baron Holand, 7th Baron Wake of Liddell. Joan Stafford Countess Kent [aged 19] by marriage Countess Kent.
On 7th January 1400 at Cirencester, Gloucestershire [Map] Ralph Lumley 1st Baron Lumley [aged 40] was beheaded by the townspeople following an unsuccessful attempt to seize the town. Baron Lumley forfeit.
Thomas Holland 1st Duke Surrey [aged 26] was beheaded. He had to forfeit the honours and estates he had gained after the arrests of Gloucester and Arundel: Duke Surrey extinct. He retained those he had received before: His brother Edmund [aged 16] succeeded 4th Earl Kent, 3rd Baron Holand, 8th Baron Wake of Liddell. He was buried, or re-buried, at his foundation Mount Grace Priory, North Yorkshire [Map].
John Montagu 3rd Earl Salisbury [aged 50] was captured, tried and beheaded. Earl Salisbury, Baron Montagu, Baron Montagu, Baron Monthermer forfeit.
Bernard Brocas [aged 46] was captured.
On 24th January 1407 Edmund Holland 4th Earl Kent [aged 23] and Lucia Visconti Countess Kent [aged 27] were married at Southwark Cathedral [Map]. She by marriage Countess Kent. He was killed eighteen month's later at the Battle of Île de Bréhat. He the son of Thomas Holland 2nd Earl Kent and Alice Fitzalan Countess Kent [aged 57].
On 15th September 1408 Edmund Holland 4th Earl Kent [aged 24] was killed at Île de Bréhat. He was buried in Bourne Abbey, Lincolnshire [Map]. Earl Kent extinct. Baron Holand, Baron Wake of Liddell abeyant. See Walsingham.
Earl Kent is also in Earldoms of England Chronologically, Extinct Earldoms of England.
Summary
31st October 1461. William Neville 1st Earl Kent [aged 56] created. See Coronation of Edward IV.
9th January 1463. William Neville 1st Earl Kent extinct.
On 31st October 1461 King Edward IV of England [aged 19] created his brother Richard [aged 9] 1st Duke Gloucester. Henry Bourchier [aged 57] was created 1st Earl Essex. Isabel of York [aged 52] by marriage Countess Essex. William Neville [aged 56] was created 1st Earl Kent. Joan Fauconberg [aged 55] by marriage Countess Kent.
On 9th January 1463 William Neville 1st Earl Kent [aged 58] died. He was buried at Guisborough Priory [Map]. No surviving legitimate issue. Earl Kent extinct.
Earl Kent is also in Earldoms of England Chronologically, Extinct Earldoms of England.
Summary
30th May 1465. Edmund Grey 1st Earl Kent [aged 48] created.
22nd May 1490. Son George Grey 2nd Earl Kent [aged 36] succeeded.
25th December 1505. Son Richard Grey 3rd Earl Kent [aged 24] succeeded.
1524. Half Brother Henry Grey 4th Earl Kent [aged 29] succeeded.
24th September 1562. Grandson Reginald Grey 5th Earl Kent [aged 22] succeeded.
17th May 1573. Brother Henry Grey 6th Earl Kent [aged 32] succeeded.
31st January 1615. Brother Charles Grey 7th Earl Kent succeeded.
26th September 1623. Son Henry Grey 8th Earl Kent [aged 40] succeeded.
21st November 1639. Second Cousin Once Removed Anthony Grey 9th Earl Kent [aged 82] succeeded.
9th November 1643. Son Henry Grey 10th Earl Kent [aged 48] succeeded.
28th May 1651. Son Anthony Grey 11th Earl Kent [aged 5] succeeded.
19th August 1702. Son Henry Grey 1st Duke Kent [aged 31] succeeded.
5th June 1740. Henry Grey 1st Duke Kent extinct.
Henrici Quinti, Angliæ Regis, Gesta, is a first-hand account of the Agincourt Campaign, and subsequent events to his death in 1422. The author of the first part was a Chaplain in King Henry's retinue who was present from King Henry's departure at Southampton in 1415, at the siege of Harfleur, the battle of Agincourt, and the celebrations on King Henry's return to London. The second part, by another writer, relates the events that took place including the negotiations at Troye, Henry's marriage and his death in 1422.
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On 30th May 1465 Edmund Grey 1st Earl Kent [aged 48] was created 1st Earl Kent.
On 22nd May 1490 Edmund Grey 1st Earl Kent [aged 73] died. His son George [aged 36] succeeded 2nd Earl Kent, 5th Baron Grey of Ruthyn. Katherine Herbert Countess Kent [aged 26] by marriage Countess Kent.
On 25th December 1505 George Grey 2nd Earl Kent [aged 51] died. His son Richard [aged 24] succeeded 3rd Earl Kent, 6th Baron Grey of Ruthyn. Elizabeth Hussey Countess Kent by marriage Countess Kent.
After 19th November 1516 Richard Grey 3rd Earl Kent [aged 35] and Margaret Fynche Countess Kent were married. She by marriage Countess Kent. He the son of George Grey 2nd Earl Kent and Anne Woodville Viscountess Bourchier.
In 1524 Richard Grey 3rd Earl Kent [aged 43] died at the Sign of the George having much wasted his estate by gaming. His half brother Henry [aged 29] succeeded 4th Earl Kent, 7th Baron Grey of Ruthyn although by reason of his slender estate, declined to take upon him the title of Earl. Henry tried, with little success, to reacquire the property his brother Richard had sold, and had to live as a modest gentleman, never formally taking title as earl.
On 24th September 1562 Henry Grey 4th Earl Kent [aged 67] died. His grandson Reginald [aged 22] succeeded 5th Earl Kent, 8th Baron Grey of Ruthyn.
Around 1570 Reginald Grey 5th Earl Kent [aged 30] and Susan Bertie Countess Kent [aged 16] were married. She by marriage Countess Kent. She the daughter of Richard Bertie Baron Willoughby [aged 53] and Catherine Willoughby Duchess Suffolk [aged 50].
On 17th May 1573 Reginald Grey 5th Earl Kent [aged 33] died. His brother Henry [aged 32] succeeded 6th Earl Kent, 9th Baron Grey of Ruthyn.
Around 1580 Charles Grey 7th Earl Kent and Susan Cotton Countess Kent [aged 28] were married. She by marriage Countess Kent.
Before 29th April 1593 Anthony Grey 9th Earl Kent [aged 36] and Magdelane Purefoy Countess Kent [aged 21] were married. She by marriage Countess Kent.
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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On 16th November 1601 Henry Grey 8th Earl Kent [aged 18] and Elizabeth Talbot Countess Kent [aged 19] were married at St Martin in the Fields Church [Map]. She by marriage Countess Kent. She the daughter of Gilbert Talbot 7th Earl of Shrewsbury [aged 48] and Mary Cavendish Countess Shrewsbury and Waterford [aged 45]. He the son of Charles Grey 7th Earl Kent and Susan Cotton Countess Kent [aged 49]. They were fourth cousin once removed.
On 31st January 1615 Henry Grey 6th Earl Kent [aged 74] died. Monument at the De Grey Mausoleum, St John the Baptist Church, Flitton [Map] to him and his wife Mary Cotton Countess Grey; she is buried at St Peter and St Paul Church, Little Gaddesden. His brother Charles succeeded 7th Earl Kent, 10th Baron Grey of Ruthyn. Susan Cotton Countess Kent [aged 63] by marriage Countess Kent.
Charles Grey 7th Earl Kent: he was born to Henry Grey and Margery St John. He was educated Trinity College. Around 1580 Charles Grey 7th Earl Kent and Susan Cotton Countess Kent were married. She by marriage Countess Kent.
Susan Cotton Countess Kent: Around 1552 she was born to Richard Cotton. In 1617 Susan Cotton Countess Kent died.
On 26th September 1623 Charles Grey 7th Earl Kent died. He was buried at the De Grey Mausoleum, St John the Baptist Church, Flitton [Map]. His son Henry [aged 40] succeeded 8th Earl Kent, 11th Baron Grey of Ruthyn.
On 21st November 1639 Henry Grey 8th Earl Kent [aged 56] died without issue. He was buried at the De Grey Mausoleum, St John the Baptist Church, Flitton [Map]. His second cousin once removed Anthony [aged 82] succeeded 9th Earl Kent. His nephew Charles [aged 27] succeeded 12th Baron Grey of Ruthyn.
Charles Longueville 12th Baron Grey of Ruthyn: On or before 21st April 1612, the date he was baptised, he was born to Michael Longueville and Susan Grey. Before 14th June 1643 he and Frances Neville were married. On 14th June 1643 he died. His daughter Susan succeeded 13th Baroness Grey of Ruthyn.
On 14th October 1641 Henry Grey 10th Earl Kent [aged 46] and Mary Courtine Countess Kent were married. She by marriage Countess Kent. He the son of Anthony Grey 9th Earl Kent [aged 84] and Magdelane Purefoy Countess Kent [aged 69].
On 9th November 1643 Anthony Grey 9th Earl Kent [aged 86] died. His son Henry [aged 48] succeeded 10th Earl Kent.
On 1st August 1644 Henry Grey 10th Earl Kent [aged 49] and Amabel Benn Countess Kent [aged 36] were married. She by marriage Countess Kent. He the son of Anthony Grey 9th Earl Kent and Magdelane Purefoy Countess Kent [aged 72].
On 28th May 1651 Henry Grey 10th Earl Kent [aged 56] died. Monument made in 1658 at the De Grey Mausoleum, St John the Baptist Church, Flitton [Map]. His son Anthony [aged 5] succeeded 11th Earl Kent.
Between 2nd March 1662 and 1671 Anthony Grey 11th Earl Kent [aged 16] and Mary Lucas Countess Kent [aged 18] were married. She by marriage Countess Kent. He the son of Henry Grey 10th Earl Kent and Amabel Benn Countess Kent [aged 54].
On 19th August 1702 Anthony Grey 11th Earl Kent [aged 57] died. His son Henry [aged 31] succeeded 12th Earl Kent. Jemima Crew Marchioness Kent [aged 27] by marriage Countess Kent.
On 5th June 1740 Henry Grey 1st Duke Kent [aged 69] died without surviving male issue. Duke Kent, Marquess Kent, Earl Kent and Viscount Gooderich extinct. His granddaughter Jemima [aged 16] succeeded 2nd Marchioness Grey.
Monument at the De Grey Mausoleum, St John the Baptist Church, Flitton [Map] sculpted by Edward Shepherd.
