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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Arbor Low Five Wells Bull Ring Monument is in Prehistoric Peak District, Five Wells Chambered Tomb and Stonehenge Alignment.
Arbor Low Five Wells Bull Ring Monument describes a possible prehistoric single monument formed from Arbor Low Henge and Stone Circle [Map], Five Wells Chambered Tomb [Map] and the Bull Ring Henge [Map] that form the same shape as the constellation Orion's Belt.
Other prehistoric monuments including the Thornborough Henges, and, possibly, the Giza Pyramids appear to be similar. There are theories about there being a 'Cult of Orion' around 2400BC. Both Arbor Low Henge and Stone Circle [Map] and Bull Ring Henge [Map] can be seen from Five Wells Chambered Tomb [Map] albeit not with the naked eye during daylight - a camera with a long lens is needed. In darkness a bonfire would make both easily visible.
Taking the positions of each map from Historic England's listing the angle between the monuments is 172 degrees which is consistent with the angle of Orion's Belt. The angle of Orion's belt may have changed over time - difficult to find an exact figure. And, of course, difficult to be precise as to the centre of each monument so error is likely. I couldn't find a description of the linear distance between the stars seen from earth. If anyone has better information please email email@twentytrees.co.uk.
