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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Biography of William O'Brien 2nd Earl Inchiquin 1640-1692

Paternal Family Tree: Obrien Inchiquin

William O'Brien 2nd Earl Inchiquin was was appointed the first Governor of Jamaica.

Before 1636 [his father] Murdough O'Brien 1st Earl Inchiquin (age 21) and [his mother] Elizabeth St Leger Countess Inchiquin were married.

Around 1640 William O'Brien 2nd Earl Inchiquin was born to [his father] Murdough O'Brien 1st Earl Inchiquin (age 26) and [his mother] Elizabeth St Leger Countess Inchiquin.

In May 1654 [his father] Murdough O'Brien 1st Earl Inchiquin (age 40) was created 1st Earl Inchiquin. [his mother] Elizabeth St Leger Countess Inchiquin by marriage Countess Inchiquin.

In 1662 [his son] William O'Brien 3rd Earl Inchiquin was born to William O'Brien 2nd Earl Inchiquin (age 22) and Margaret Boyle Countess Inchiquin. He married April 1691 his first cousin once removed Mary Villiers Countess Inchiquin and had issue.

On 9th September 1674 [his father] Murdough O'Brien 1st Earl Inchiquin (age 60) died. He was buried at St Mary's Cathedral, Limerick, County Limerick. His son William (age 34) succeeded 2nd Earl Inchiquin.

John Evelyn's Diary. 26th July 1680. My most noble and illustrious friend, the Earl of Ossory (age 46), espying me this morning after sermon in the privy gallery, calling to me, told me he was now going his journey (meaning to Tangier [Map], whither he was designed Governor, and General of the forces, to regain the losses we had lately sustained from the Moors, when Inchiquin (age 40) was Governor). I asked if he would not call at my house (as he always did whenever he went out of England on any exploit). He said he must embark at Portsmouth, Hampshire [Map], "wherefore let you and me dine together to-day; I am quite alone, and have something to impart to you; I am not well, shall be private, and desire your company"..

In 1685 [his mother] Elizabeth St Leger Countess Inchiquin died.

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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In April 1691 [his son] William O'Brien 3rd Earl Inchiquin (age 29) and [his daughter-in-law] Mary Villiers Countess Inchiquin were married. He the son of William O'Brien 2nd Earl Inchiquin (age 51) and Margaret Boyle Countess Inchiquin. They were first cousin once removed.

On 16th January 1692 William O'Brien 2nd Earl Inchiquin (age 52) died. His son William (age 30) succeeded 3rd Earl Inchiquin. [his daughter-in-law] Mary Villiers Countess Inchiquin by marriage Countess Inchiquin.

Royal Ancestors of William O'Brien 2nd Earl Inchiquin 1640-1692

Kings Wessex: Great x 21 Grand Son of King Edmund "Ironside" I of England

Kings Gwynedd: Great x 17 Grand Son of Owain "Great" King Gwynedd

Kings Seisyllwg: Great x 22 Grand Son of Hywel "Dda aka Good" King Seisyllwg King Deheubarth

Kings Powys: Great x 17 Grand Son of Maredudd ap Bleddyn King Powys

Kings England: Great x 13 Grand Son of King Edward I of England

Kings Scotland: Great x 20 Grand Son of King Duncan I of Scotland

Kings Franks: Great x 27 Grand Son of Charles "Charlemagne aka Great" King of the Franks King Lombardy Holy Roman Emperor

Kings France: Great x 22 Grand Son of Hugh I King of the Franks

Kings Duke Aquitaine: Great x 25 Grand Son of Ranulf I Duke Aquitaine

Ancestors of William O'Brien 2nd Earl Inchiquin 1640-1692

William O'Brien 2nd Earl Inchiquin 13 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Ralph St Leger 7 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: Anthony St Leger 8 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Haute

Great x 2 Grandfather: William St Leger 9 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Hugh Warham

Great x 3 Grandmother: Agnes Warham

Great x 1 Grandfather: Warham St Leger 10 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England

GrandFather: William St Leger 11 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England

Mother: Elizabeth St Leger Countess Inchiquin 12 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England