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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Biography of Archdeacon Anthony Hamilton 1739-1812

In 1739 Archdeacon Anthony Hamilton was born to [his father] Alexander Hamilton.

In 1770 Archdeacon Anthony Hamilton (age 31) was appointed Archdeacon of London.

In 1773 Archdeacon Anthony Hamilton (age 34) was elected Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London.

In 1775 Archdeacon Anthony Hamilton (age 36) was appointed Archdeacon Colchester.

In 1776 Archdeacon Anthony Hamilton (age 37) became Rector of Much Hadham, Hertfordshire.

Before 1777 Archdeacon Anthony Hamilton (age 37) and Anne Terrick were married. She the daughter of Bishop Richard Terrick (age 66).

In 1777 [his son] William Hamilton was born to Archdeacon Anthony Hamilton (age 38) and [his wife] Anne Terrick.

In 1777 Archdeacon Anthony Hamilton (age 38) was elected Fellow of the Royal Society.

On 12th July 1778 [his son] Archdeacon Anthony Hamilton was born to Archdeacon Anthony Hamilton (age 39) and [his wife] Anne Terrick in St Martin in the Fields Church [Map].

Around 1795 Archdeacon Anthony Hamilton (age 56) lived at 16 Savile Row.

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.

Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.

In 1812 Archdeacon Anthony Hamilton (age 73) died.

Ancestors of Archdeacon Anthony Hamilton 1739-1812

GrandFather: William Hamilton

Father: Alexander Hamilton

Archdeacon Anthony Hamilton