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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Owen Oglethorpe was born to [his father] John Oglethorpe of Newington and [his mother] Alice Goodwin.
In 1579 [his father] John Oglethorpe of Newington died.
In 1589 Owen Oglethorpe was elected MP Chipping Wycombe.
In 1597 Owen Oglethorpe was elected MP Wallingford.
On 21st December 1609 the will of Thomas Smith (deceased) was proved:
My body to be buried after a X'ian manner decently and christianly but without any needles and superfluous solemnitie or expence.
Next concerning my worldlie estate thoughe very meane in respecte of the long tyme and travaile by me for the getting thereof yet far beyond my deserte (yf it were much lesse than it is) the same beyng Gods benefitt wherof throughe my synnes 1 am alltogeather unworthie. Whereas yt doth consiste partly of a little Land partlie of some fewe Leases partlie of some money plate and other moueables. My dwelling house [Brightwells, Parson' Green] at Parson greene in the parish of Fulham with the land purchased with yt and to yt I do give to my sonne Robert Smithe but my wife Frances to receive the profits during her life. My house and land called Hertley or Hartley Court in the parish of Shinfield near Reading being at present Iett by me on lease to my brother Richard Smithe or £100 per an. I do likewise devise to my said son. The land which I lately bought of my friend Hughe Middleton in the manor of Barvvicke uppon Tease co. Yorke to said son and to his heirs for ever and in default to my daughter Margaret Smythe that is to say my estate at Parsons Green to my said daughter and her heirs for ever with reserval of the profitts to my wife during her life as abovesaid and all my said other lands to said daughter for life Remainder to my brother Richard Smithe and the heirs male of his body and for Default said lands to return to the heirs of my said daughter for ever.
To Sir Thomas Bodley for the Librarie in Oxforde twentie markes to be bestowed on some bookes at his Discretion. To the poore of the towne and parishe of ffulham where my nowe dwelling is I give and bequeath £20. My wife sole executrix but my son executor of his part and my good friends Sr John Benett, kt., Sr Owen Oglethorpe, Mr. John Buckeridge, D.D., my brother Richard Smithe and Mr. Hugh Middleton to be overseers
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On 2nd June 1616 Owen Oglethorpe died at the house of the Thomas Cecil 1st Earl Exeter (age 74).
Letters of John Chamberlain Volume 2.243. [8th June 1616] Sir Owen Oglethorp died on Sonday at the earle of Excesters (age 74), leaving litle or nothing (they say) behind him scant so much as a goode name; he was buried the next night in temebris [darkness], and so was Sir Thomas Parry (deceased) that died a day or two before him. Sir John Deckham newly knighted succeeds in the chauncellorship of the Duchie (wherof he had the graunt and patent before,) but all the counsaile stoode against him alleaging the invaliditie of such patents and reversions of places of judicature, as beeing directly against law besides the meannes of the man, and that he had ben detected of divers fraudes and fowle dealings, specially in the pardon propounded the last yeare for the earle of Somerset: these exceptions suspended his admittance for five or sixe dayes, but I always saide quod defertur non aufertur [what is deferred is not taken away], when I understoode what sure cardes he had for him, and that Sir George Villers (age 23) and the prince betted on his side. Sir Fraunces Bacon (age 55) was in election to be sworn of the counsaile on Sonday last and missed yt narrowly, by the opposition almost of the whole table, not so much in shew against his person, as his place of atturny, as beeing incompatible for many reasons, wherof among others this was not the least, that yt was unseemly he shold plead before his fellow counsaillors uncovered but yf that be all, he hath precedents in store, and for more suretie the King is so well affected to him, and the Lord Chauncellor (as well in spite to the Lord Cooke as favour to him) so pliable that yt is thought he will part with the great seale upon goode composition, wherby he may take his ease, and the other become Lord Keper, whiles in the mean time the King shall not want the Lord Chauncellors service yf he be preferred to President of the counsaile.
Father: John Oglethorpe of Newington
GrandFather: John Goodwin of Upper Winchendon, Buckinghamshire
Mother: Alice Goodwin