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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Extant Viscountcies of England is in Viscountcies of England.
On 4th December 1951 Hugh Gough 4th Viscount Gough [aged 59] died. His son Shane [aged 10] succeeded 5th Viscount Gough of Goojerat in the Punjab and of the City of Limerick, 5th Baron Gough of Chin-Kang-Foo in China and of Maharajpore and the Sutlej in the East Indies, 5th Baronet Gough of Synone and Drangan in County Tipperary.
On 7th March 1966 William Waldorf Astor 3rd Viscount Astor [aged 58] died. His son William [aged 14] succeeded 4th Viscount Astor, 4th Baron Astor.
In 1970 Pownoll Pellew 9th Viscount Exmouth [aged 62] died. His son Paul [aged 29] succeeded 10th Viscount Exmouth, 10th Baron Exmouth of Canonteign, 10th Baronet Pellew of Treverry in Cornwall. Maria Krystina Garay Viscountess Exmouth by marriage Viscountess Exmouth.
On 15th April 1973 John Grimston 6th Earl of Verulam [aged 60] died. His son John [aged 21] succeeded 7th Earl Verulam, 7th Viscount Grimston, 10th Viscount Grimston, 8th Baron Verulam of Gorhambury in Hertfordshire, 14th Baronet Grimston of Little Waltham in Essex.
On 14th July 1979 Walter Keppel 9th Earl Albermarle [aged 97] died. His grandson Rufus [aged 13] succeeded 10th Earl Albermarle, 10th Viscount Bury in Lancashire, 10th Baron Ashford of Ashford in Kent.
On 19th March 1980 Charles Ingram Courtenay Wood 2nd Earl Halifax [aged 67] died. His son Charles [aged 36] succeeded 3rd Earl Halifax, 4th Viscount Halifax, 7th Baronet Wood of Barnsley in Yorkshire.
On 12th November 1980 John Chetwynd-Talbot 21st Earl of Shrewsbury 6th Earl Talbot [aged 65] died at Switzerland. His son Charles [aged 27] succeeded 22nd Earl of Shrewsbury, 22nd Earl Waterford, 7th Earl Talbot, 7th Viscount Ingestre, 9th Baron Talbot of Hensol in Glamorganshire.
John Chetwynd-Talbot 21st Earl of Shrewsbury 6th Earl Talbot: On 1st December 1914 he was born to Charles Chetwynd-Talbot and Winifred Contance Hester Paget. On 17th May 1921 Charles Chetwynd-Talbot 20th Earl of Shrewsbury 5th Earl Talbot died. On 7th May 1921 His grandson John succeeded 21st Earl of Shrewsbury, 21st Earl Waterford, 6th Earl Talbot, 6th Viscount Ingestre, 8th Baron Talbot of Hensol in Glamorganshire. Before 18th December 1952 John Chetwynd-Talbot 21st Earl of Shrewsbury 6th Earl Talbot and Nina Mortlock Countess Shrewsbury, Waterford and Talbot were married. She by marriage Countess of Shrewsbury, Countess Waterford, Countess Talbot.
Charles Chetwynd-Talbot 22nd Earl of Shrewsbury 7th Earl Talbot: Charles Chetwynd-Talbot 22nd Earl of Shrewsbury 7th Earl Talbot educated Harrow School. On 18th December 1952 he was born to John Chetwynd-Talbot 21st Earl of Shrewsbury 6th Earl Talbot and Nina Mortlock Countess Shrewsbury, Waterford and Talbot.
On 12th August 1981 John Hely-Hutchinson 7th Earl of Donoughmore [aged 78] died. His son Richard [aged 54] succeeded 8th Earl of Donoughmore, 8th Viscount Hutchinson of Knocklofty in Tipperary, 8th Viscount Donoughmore of Knocklofty in Tipperary, 9th Baron Donoughmore of Knocklofty in Tipperary.
On 17th November 1982 Robert Bridgeman 2nd Viscount Bridgeman [aged 86] died. His son Robin [aged 51] succeeded 3rd Viscount Bridgeman of Leigh in Shropshire.
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 22nd March 1983 John Pratt 5th Marquess Camden [aged 83] died. His son David [aged 52] succeeded 6th Marquess Camden, 6th Earl Brecknock, 7th Earl Camden, 7th Viscount Bayham of Bayham Abbey in Kent, 7th Baron Camden of Camden Place in Kent.
On 29th March 1983 Antony Head 1st Viscount Head [aged 76] died. His son Richard [aged 46] succeeded 2nd Viscount Head of Throope in Wiltshire.
On 18th July 1983 William Keith Rous 5th Earl of Stradbroke [aged 76] died. His son Robert [aged 46] succeeded 6th Earl Stradbroke, 6th Viscount Dunwich, 11th Baronet Stradbrooke of Henham in Suffolk.
On 29th May 1984 Edward Curzon 6th Earl Howe [aged 75] died. His second cousin Frederick [aged 33] succeeded 7th Earl Howe, 8th Viscount Curzon of Penn in Buckinghamshire, 9th Baron Howe.
On 9th February 1988 William Sackville 10th Earl De La Warr [aged 66] died. His son William [aged 39] succeeded 11th Earl De La Warr, 11th Viscount Cantalupe, 17th Baron De La Warr 6th Baron Buckhurst of Buckhurst in Sussex.
On 16th March 1991 Rowland Baring 3rd Earl of Cromer [aged 72] died. His son Evelyn [aged 44] succeeded 4th Earl Cromer, 4th Viscount Errington Hexham Northumberland.
On 29th March 1992 John Spencer 8th Earl Spencer [aged 68] died. His son Charles [aged 27] succeeded 9th Earl Spencer, 9th Viscount Althorp, 9th Viscount Spencer, 9th Baron Spencer Althorp.
On 23rd May 1992 Michael Addison 3rd Viscount Addison [aged 78] died. His son William [aged 46] succeeded 4th Viscount Addison of Stallingborough in Lincolnshire, 4th Baron Addison of Stallingborough in Lincolnshire.
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.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
On 7th March 1993 Richard Fortescue 7th Earl Fortescue [aged 70] died. His son Charles [aged 41] succeeded 8th Earl Fortescue, 8th Viscount Ebrington of Ebrington in Gloucestershire, 10th Baron Fortescue of Castle Hill.
On 19th January 1995 Weetman John Pearson 3rd Viscount Cowdray [aged 84] died. His son Michael [aged 50] succeeded 4th Viscount Cowdray of Cowdray in Sussex.
On 23rd March 1995 Rollo Feilding 11th Earl of Denbigh [aged 51] died. His son Alexander [aged 24] succeeded 11th Earl Desmond, 12th Earl Denbigh, 12th Viscount Feilding, 12th Baron Feilding of Newnham Paddocks in Warwickshire, 11th Viscount Callan of Callan in Kilkenny, 11th Baron Feilding of Lecagh in Tipperary, 11th Baron St Liz.
On 31st October 1996 Granville James Leveson-Gower 5th Earl Granville [aged 77] died. His son Fergus [aged 37] succeeded 6th Earl Granville, 6th Viscount Granville.
On 4th July 1997 William Gerald Charles Cadogan 7th Earl Cadogan [aged 83] died. His son Charles [aged 60] succeeded 8th Earl Cadogan, 8th Viscount Chelsea, 10th Baron Cadogan.
On 22nd December 1997 Hugh Seymour 8th Marquess Hertford [aged 67] died. His son Henry [aged 39] succeeded 9th Marquess Hertford, 9th Earl Hertford, 9th Earl of Yarmouth, 9th Viscount Beauchamp, 10th Baron Conway of Ragley in Warwickshire, 10th Baron Conway of Killultagh in Antrim.
On 1st October 1999 Seymour Egerton 7th Earl Wilton [aged 78] died. His fourth cousin Francis [aged 65] succeeded 8th Earl Wilton, 8th Viscount Grey de Wilton.
On 2nd October 1999 Alexander Lambert Hood 7th Viscount Hood [aged 85] died. His son Henry [aged 41] succeeded 8th Viscount Hood of Whitley in Warwickshire, 8th Baronet Hood of Catherington.
On 15th February 2000 Francis Fitztroy Newdegate 3rd Viscount Daventry [aged 78] died. His son James [aged 39] succeeded 4th Viscount Daventry.
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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On 21st September 2000 John Sutherland Egerton 6th Duke Sutherland [aged 85] died. His first cousin once removed Francis [aged 60] succeeded 7th Duke Sutherland, 7th Marquess Stafford, 6th Earl Ellesmere, 9th Earl Gower, 6th Viscount Brackley, 10th Baron Gower, 14th Baronet Gower of Stittenham in Yorkshire.
On 20th October 2000 Kenelm Charles Pepys 8th Earl of Cottenham [aged 51] died. His son Mark [aged 17] succeeded 9th Earl of Cottenham, 9th Viscount Crowhurst of Crowhurst in Surrey, 9th Baron Cottenham of Cottenham in Cambridgshire, 11th Baronet Pepys of Wimpole Street, 12th Baronet Pepys of Brook Street.
On 3rd November 2000 Michael Wellington Stapleton-Cotton 5th Viscount Combermere [aged 71] died. His son Thomas [aged 31] succeeded 6th Viscount Combermere, 6th Baron Combermere, 11th Baronet Cotton of Combermere in Cheshire.
On 11th November 2000 William James Harris 6th Earl Malmesbury [aged 92] died. His son James [aged 54] succeeded 7th Earl Malmesbury, 7th Viscount Fitz-Harris of Hurn Court in Hampshire, 7th Baron Malmesbury.
On 27th December 2002 Wentworth Beaumont 3rd Viscount Allendale [aged 80] died. His son Wentworth [aged 54] succeeded 4th Viscount Allendale of Allendale and Hexham in Northumberland, 5th Baron Allendale of Allendale and Hexham in Northumberland.
In February 2003 Anthony Rowland Clegg-Hill 8th Viscount Hill [aged 71] died without issue. His first cousin Peter [aged 57] succeeded 9th Viscount Hill of Hawkestone and Hardwicke in Shropshire, 9th Baron Hill of Almaraz and of Hawkestone in Shropshire, 11th Baronet Hill of Hawkestone in Shropshire.
On 25th February 2004 Robert Milo Leicester Devereux 18th Viscount Hereford [aged 71] died. His son Charles [aged 28] succeeded 19th Viscount Hereford, 16th Baronet Devereux of Castle Bromwich.
On 11th November 2005 Thomas Patrick John Anson 5th Earl Lichfield [aged 66] died at John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford. His son Thomas [aged 27] succeeded 6th Earl Lichfield, 7th Viscount Anson of Shugborough and Orgrave in Staffordshire and 7th Baron Soberton of Soberton in Hampshire.
On 13th July 2006 John Lyttelton 11th Viscount Cobham [aged 63] died in Spain. His brother Christopher [aged 58] succeeded 12th Viscount Cobham, 9th Baron Lyttelton of Frankley in Worcestershire, 9th Baron Westcote, 15th Baronet Lyttelton of Frankley.
On 4th January 2008 Anthony Brand 6th Viscount Hampden [aged 70] died. His son Francis [aged 38] succeeded 7th Viscount Hampden.
William of Worcester's Chronicle of England
William of Worcester, born around 1415, and died around 1482 was secretary to John Fastolf, the renowned soldier of the Hundred Years War, during which time he collected documents, letters, and wrote a record of events. Following their return to England in 1440 William was witness to major events. Twice in his chronicle he uses the first person: 1. when writing about the murder of Thomas, 7th Baron Scales, in 1460, he writes '… and I saw him lying naked in the cemetery near the porch of the church of St. Mary Overie in Southwark …' and 2. describing King Edward IV's entry into London in 1461 he writes '… proclaimed that all the people themselves were to recognize and acknowledge Edward as king. I was present and heard this, and immediately went down with them into the city'. William’s Chronicle is rich in detail. It is the source of much information about the Wars of the Roses, including the term 'Diabolical Marriage' to describe the marriage of Queen Elizabeth Woodville’s brother John’s marriage to Katherine, Dowager Duchess of Norfolk, he aged twenty, she sixty-five or more, and the story about a paper crown being placed in mockery on the severed head of Richard, 3rd Duke of York.
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On 10th August 2008 Jacob Pleydell-Bouverie 8th Earl of Radnor [aged 80] died. His son William [aged 53] succeeded 9th Earl Radnor, 10th Viscount Folkestone, 10th Baron Longford, 12th Baronet Bouverie of St Catherine Cree Church in London.
On 8th April 2010 Mark Colville 4th Viscount Colville [aged 76] died. His son Charles [aged 50] succeeded 5th Viscount Colville of Culrossin Perthshire.
On 14th May 2011 Michael Onslow 7th Earl of Onslow [aged 73] died. His son Rupert [aged 43] succeeded 8th Earl Onslow, 8th Viscount Cranley, 11th Baron Onslow, 12th Baronet Onslow of West Clandon in Surrey, 13th Baronet Foote of London.
On 21st May 2011 Henry FitzRoy St John 9th Viscount St John 8th Viscount Bolingbroke [aged 54] died. His brother Nicholas [aged 36] succeeded 10th Viscount St John, 9th Viscount Bolingbroke, 13th Baronet St John Lydiard Tregoze in Wiltshire.
On 2nd August 2012 William Smith 4th Viscount Hambleden [aged 82] died. His son William [aged 56] succeeded 5th Viscount Hambleden of Hambleden in Buckinghamshire.
On 10th September 2013 Richard Fleming Grey 6th Earl Grey [aged 74] died. His brother Philip [aged 73] succeeded 7th Earl Grey, 7th Viscount Grey of Howick in Northumberland, 7th Baron Grey of Howick in Northumberland, 8th Baronet Grey of Howick in Northumberland.
On 11th February 2014 Andrew Hardinge 7th Viscount Hardinge [aged 54] died. His son Thomas [aged 20] succeeded 8th Viscount Hardinge of Lahore and Kings Newton in Derbyshire.
On 20th September 2015 John Parker 6th Earl Morley [aged 92] died. His son Mark [aged 59] succeeded 7th Earl Morley, 7th Viscount Boringdon of North Malton in Devon, 8th Baron Boringdon.
On 12th November 2016 Thomas Edmund Byng 8th Earl of Strafford [aged 80] died. His son William [aged 52] succeeded 9th Earl Strafford, 9th Viscount Enfield of Enfield in Middlesex, 9th Baron Strafford of Harmondsworth in Middlesex.
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.'
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
On 30th January 2017 John Scott 5th Earl of Eldon [aged 79] died. His son John [aged 55] succeeded 6th Earl Eldon, 6th Viscount Encoumbe of Encombe in Dorest, 6th Baron Eldon of Eldon in County Durham.
On 7th March 2022 George Hugh Boscawen 9th Viscount Falmouth died. His son Evelyn [aged 66] succeeded 10th Viscount Falmouth, 17th Baron Despencer.
On 25th June 2022 John Manningham-Buller 2nd Viscount Dilhorne [aged 90] died. His son James [aged 66] succeeded 3rd Viscount Dilhorne of Greens Northon in Northamptonshire, 3rd Baron Dilhorne of Towcester in Northamptonshire, 6th Baronet Manningham-Buller of Dilhorne in Staffordshire.
On 5th August 2022 Michael Howard 21st Earl of Suffolk, 14th Earl Berkshire [aged 87] died. His son Alexander [aged 48] succeeded 22nd Earl Suffolk, 15th Earl Berkshire, 14th Viscount Andover in Hampshire, 14th Baron Howard of Charlton in Wiltshire.