Chronicle of a Bourgeois of Valenciennes

Récits d’un bourgeois de Valenciennes aka The Chronicle of a Bourgeois of Valenciennes is a vivid 14th-century vernacular chronicle written by an anonymous urban chronicler from Valenciennes in the County of Hainaut. It survives in a manuscript that describes local and regional history from about 1253 to 1366, blending chronology, narrative episodes, and eyewitness-style accounts of political, military, and social events in medieval France, Flanders, and the Low Countries. The work begins with a chronological framework of events affecting Valenciennes and its region under rulers such as King Philip VI of France and the shifting allegiances of local nobility. It includes accounts of conflicts, sieges, diplomatic manoeuvres, and the impact of broader struggles like the Hundred Years’ War on urban life in Hainaut. Written from the perspective of a burgher (bourgeois) rather than a monastery or royal court, the chronicle offers a rare lay viewpoint on high politics and warfare, reflecting how merchants, townspeople, and civic institutions experienced the turbulence of the 13th and 14th centuries. Its narrative style combines straightforward reporting of events with moral and civic observations, making it a valuable source for readers interested in medieval urban society, regional politics, and the lived experience of war and governance in pre-modern Europe.

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Earl Mexborough of Lifford in County Donegal

Earl Mexborough of Lifford in County Donegal is in Earl Ireland.

In February 1766 John Savile 1st Earl Mexborough (age 46) was created 1st Earl Mexborough of Lifford in County Donegal. Sarah Delaval Countess Mexborough (age 24) by marriage Countess Mexborough of Lifford in County Donegal.

On 27th February 1778 John Savile 1st Earl Mexborough (age 58) died. His son John (age 16) succeeded 2nd Earl Mexborough of Lifford in County Donegal.

In 1782 John Savile 2nd Earl Mexborough (age 20) and Elizabeth Stephenson Countess Mexborough (age 20) were married. She by marriage Countess Mexborough of Lifford in County Donegal. He the son of John Savile 1st Earl Mexborough and Sarah Delaval Countess Mexborough (age 40).

On 3rd February 1830 John Savile 2nd Earl Mexborough (age 68) died. His son John (age 46) succeeded 3rd Earl Mexborough of Lifford in County Donegal. Anne Yorke Countess Mexborough (age 47) by marriage Countess Mexborough of Lifford in County Donegal.

On 25th December 1860 John Savile 3rd Earl Mexborough (age 77) died. His son John (age 50) succeeded 4th Earl Mexborough of Lifford in County Donegal.

On 24th April 1867 John Horace Savile 5th Earl Mexborough (age 24) and Venetia Stanley Errington Countess Mexborough were married. She by marriage Countess Mexborough of Lifford in County Donegal. He the son of John Savile 4th Earl Mexborough (age 56) and Rachel Katherine Walpole.

On 17th August 1899 John Savile 4th Earl Mexborough (age 89) died at Brighton. His son John (age 56) succeeded 5th Earl Mexborough of Lifford in County Donegal.

In April 1906 John Horace Savile 5th Earl Mexborough (age 63) and Sylvia Cecilia Maria Ser-Antoni were married. She by marriage Countess Mexborough of Lifford in County Donegal. He the son of John Savile 4th Earl Mexborough and Rachel Katherine Walpole.

On 28th January 1916 John Horace Savile 5th Earl Mexborough (age 73) and Anne Belcher were married. She by marriage Countess Mexborough of Lifford in County Donegal. He died four months later. He the son of John Savile 4th Earl Mexborough and Rachel Katherine Walpole.

On 8th June 1916 John Horace Savile 5th Earl Mexborough (age 73) died. His half brother John (age 48) succeeded 6th Earl Mexborough of Lifford in County Donegal.