Adam Murimuth's Continuation and Robert of Avesbury’s 'The Wonderful Deeds of King Edward III'
This volume brings together two of the most important contemporary chronicles for the reign of Edward III and the opening phases of the Hundred Years’ War. Written in Latin by English clerical observers, these texts provide a vivid and authoritative window into the political, diplomatic, and military history of fourteenth-century England and its continental ambitions. Adam Murimuth Continuatio's Chronicarum continues an earlier chronicle into the mid-fourteenth century, offering concise but valuable notices on royal policy, foreign relations, and ecclesiastical affairs. Its annalistic structure makes it especially useful for establishing chronology and tracing the development of events year by year. Complementing it, Robert of Avesbury’s De gestis mirabilibus regis Edwardi tertii is a rich documentary chronicle preserving letters, treaties, and official records alongside narrative passages. It is an indispensable source for understanding Edward III’s claim to the French crown, the conduct of war, and the mechanisms of medieval diplomacy. Together, these works offer scholars, students, and enthusiasts a reliable and unembellished account of a transformative period in English and European history. Essential for anyone interested in medieval chronicles, the Hundred Years’ War, or the reign of Edward III.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
Earl Rochester is in Earldoms of England Alphabetically.
Earl Rochester is also in Earldoms of England Chronologically, Extinct Earldoms of England.
Summary
1652. Henry Wilmot 1st Earl Rochester (age 39) created.
19th February 1658. Son John Wilmot 2nd Earl Rochester (age 10) succeeded.
26th July 1680. Son Charles Wilmot 3rd Earl Rochester (age 9) succeeded.
1681. Charles Wilmot 3rd Earl Rochester extinct.
In 1652 Henry Wilmot 1st Earl Rochester (age 39) was created 1st Earl Rochester. Anne St John Countess Rochester (age 37) by marriage Countess Rochester.
On 19th February 1658 Henry Wilmot 1st Earl Rochester (age 45) died at Sluys [Map]. He was buried in Bruges [Map]. After the Restoration his remains were reburied in All Saints Church, Spelsbury [Map]. His son John (age 10) succeeded 2nd Earl Rochester, 2nd Viscount Wilmot.
On 29th January 1667 John Wilmot 2nd Earl Rochester (age 19) and Elizabeth Malet Countess Rochester (age 16) were married at Knightsbridge Chapel. She by marriage Countess Rochester. They having eloped and married against her families wishes. Two years previously he had abducted her for which he spent three weeks in prison. Her father being dead it isn't clear whose ward she was. He the son of Henry Wilmot 1st Earl Rochester and Anne St John Countess Rochester (age 52).
On 26th July 1680 John Wilmot 2nd Earl Rochester (age 33) died. His son Charles (age 9) succeeded 3rd Earl Rochester, 3rd Viscount Wilmot.
In 1681 Charles Wilmot 3rd Earl Rochester (age 10) died. Earl Rochester, Viscount Wilmot extinct.
Earl Rochester is also in Earldoms of England Chronologically, Extinct Earldoms of England.
Summary
29th November 1682. Lawrence Hyde 1st Earl Rochester (age 40) created.
2nd May 1711. Son Henry Hyde 2nd Earl Rochester 4th Earl Clarendon (age 38) succeeded.
10th December 1753. Henry Hyde 2nd Earl Rochester 4th Earl Clarendon extinct.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 19th November 1667. Thence with W. Hewer (age 25) and our messenger, Marlow, home by coach, and so late at letters, and then home to supper, and my wife to read and then to bed. This night I wrote to my father, in answer to a new match which is proposed (the executor of Ensum, my sister's former servant) for my sister (age 26), that I will continue my mind of giving her £500, if he likes of the match. My father did also this week, by Shepley, return me up a 'Guinny, which, it seems, upon searching the ground, they have found since I was there. I was told this day that Lory Hide (age 25)1, second son of my Chancellor (age 58), did some time since in the House say, that if he thought his father was guilty but of one of the things then said against him, he would be the first that should call for judgement against him: which Mr. Waller (age 61), the poet, did say was spoke like the old Roman, like Brutus, for its greatness and worthiness.
Note 1. Laurence Hyde, second son of Chancellor Clarendon (1614-1711). He held many important offices, and was First Lord of the Treasury, 1679-84; created Earl of Rochester in 1681, and K.G. 1685.
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.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
On 29th November 1682 Lawrence Hyde 1st Earl Rochester (age 40) was created 1st Earl Rochester. Henrietta Boyle Countess Rochester (age 36) by marriage Countess Rochester.
John Evelyn's Diary. 7th December 1682. Went to congratulate Lord Hyde (age 40) (the great favorite) newly made Earl of Rochester, and lately marrying his eldest daughter to the Earl of Ossory (age 17).
On 2nd May 1711 Lawrence Hyde 1st Earl Rochester (age 69) died. His son Henry (age 38) succeeded 2nd Earl Rochester. Jane Leveson-Gower Countess Rochester and Clarendon by marriage Countess Rochester.
On 10th December 1753 Henry Hyde 2nd Earl Rochester 4th Earl Clarendon (age 81) died without male issue. Earl Rochester and Earl Clarendon extinct.