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 Glencairn is in Earl.
On 28th May 1488 Alexander Cunningham 1st Earl Glencairn [aged 62] was created 1st Earl Glencairn. He died fourteen days later.
On 11th June 1488 King James III of Scotland [aged 36] was killed in action or attempting to escape, at the Battle of Sauchieburn. His son James [aged 15] succeeded IV King Scotland.
Alexander Stewart 3rd of Garlies [aged 45] fought.
Alexander Cunningham 1st Earl Glencairn [aged 62] was killed. His son Robert [aged 37] succeeded 2nd Earl Glencairn.
On 8th August 1503 King James IV of Scotland [aged 30] and Margaret Tudor [aged 13] were married at Holyrood Abbey [Map]. She by marriage Queen Consort Scotland. Thomas Howard 2nd Duke of Norfolk [aged 60] and James Hamilton 1st Earl Arran [aged 28] were present. She the daughter of King Henry VII of England and Ireland [aged 46] and Elizabeth York Queen Consort England. He the son of King James III of Scotland and Margaret Oldenburg Queen Consort Scotland. They were third cousins. He a great x 4 grandson of King Edward III of England.
Cuthbert Cunningham 3rd Earl Glencairn [aged 27] was restored 3rd Earl Glencairn.
On 23rd May 1541 Cuthbert Cunningham 3rd Earl Glencairn [aged 64] died. His son William [aged 48] succeeded 4th Earl Glencairn.
In March 1548 William Cunningham 4th Earl Glencairn [aged 54] died. His son Alexander succeeded 5th Earl Glencairn. Janet Hamilton Countess Glencairn [aged 33] by marriage Countess Glencairn.
On 23rd November 1574 Alexander Cunningham 5th Earl Glencairn died. His son William [aged 44] succeeded 6th Earl Glencairn. Janet Gordon Countess of Glencairn by marriage Countess Glencairn.
Around 1578 William Cunningham 6th Earl Glencairn [aged 47] died. His son James [aged 26] succeeded 7th Earl Glencairn.
In 1630 William Cunningham 8th Earl Glencairn [aged 55] died. His son William [aged 20] succeeded 9th Earl Glencairn.
In 1630 James Cunningham 7th Earl Glencairn [aged 78] died. His son William [aged 55] succeeded 8th Earl Glencairn.
On 5th April 1637 William Cunningham 9th Earl Glencairn [aged 27] and Anne Ogilvy Countess Glancairn were married. She by marriage Countess Glencairn. She the daughter of James Ogilvy 1st Earl Findlater [aged 42] and Elizabeth Leslie. He the son of William Cunningham 8th Earl Glencairn and Jean Kerr Countess Glencairn. They were half second cousin once removed.
After January 1661 William Cunningham 9th Earl Glencairn [aged 51] and Margaret Montgomerie Countess Glencairn [aged 43] were married. She by marriage Countess Glencairn. She the daughter of Alexander Seton aka Montgomerie 6th Earl Eglinton [aged 73] and Anne Livingstone Countess Eglinton. He the son of William Cunningham 8th Earl Glencairn and Jean Kerr Countess Glencairn. They were fifth cousin once removed.