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 Cristin ferch Goronwy Unknown Queen Consort Gwynedd 1105-1175

Paternal Family Tree: Aberffraw

In 1105 Cristin ferch Goronwy Unknown was born to [her father] Goronwy Unknown (age 25).

In 1125 [her father] Goronwy Unknown (age 45) died.

Before 1130 [her future husband] Owain "Great" King Gwynedd (age 29) and Gwladus Unknown Queen Consort Gwynedd (age 14) were married. She by marriage Queen Consort Gwynedd. He the son of King Gruffudd ap Cynan of Gwynedd (age 74) and [her aunt] Angharad Queen Consort Gwynedd (age 64).

1136 Battle of Crug Mawr aka Cardigan

                    On 10th October 1136 [the date is uncertain] the Battle of Crug Mawr aka Cardigan between Welsh and Normans for control of Ceredigion, West Wales. The Welsh, led by [her future husband] Owain "Great" King Gwynedd (age 36), [her future brother-in-law] Cadwaladr ap Gruffudd Aberffraw (age 36) and Gruffudd ap Rhys King Deheubarth (age 55) defeated Normans led by Robert Fitzmartin,; a significant setback to Norman expansion in Wales.
                
                    Einion Aberffraw was killed.
                
                    The exact location of the battle is unknown. Possibly near Crug Mawr [Map]. However, Annales Cambriae has "A battle was fought before the castle" followed by "others drowned in the river Teifi" suggesting the castle referred to may have been Cilgerran Castle [Map] which is on the River Teifi.

In 1137 King Gruffudd ap Cynan of Gwynedd (age 82) died. His son [her future husband] Owain (age 37) succeeded King Gwynedd.

Around 1145 [her son] Dafydd ab Owain Aberffraw Prince Gwynedd was born to [her husband] Owain "Great" King Gwynedd (age 45) and Cristin ferch Goronwy Unknown (age 40). Coefficient of inbreeding 3.22%. He married 1174 Emma Plantagenet, daughter of Geoffrey Plantagenet Duke Normandy and Mistress Unknown, and had issue.

Around 1145 Owain "Great" King Gwynedd (age 45) and Cristin ferch Goronwy Unknown (age 40) were married. She by marriage Queen Consort Gwynedd. He the son of King Gruffudd ap Cynan of Gwynedd and Angharad Queen Consort Gwynedd (age 80). They were first cousins.

Around 1147 [her son] Rhodri Aberffraw was born to [her husband] Owain "Great" King Gwynedd (age 47) and Cristin ferch Goronwy Unknown (age 42). Coefficient of inbreeding 3.22%.

In 1170 [her illegitimate step-son] Hywel ab Owain King Gwynedd (age 50) died.

On 28th November 1170 [her husband] Owain "Great" King Gwynedd (age 70) died. His son [her illegitimate step-son] Hywel succeeded King Gwynedd.

The History of William Marshal, Earl of Chepstow and Pembroke, Regent of England. Book 1 of 2, Lines 1-10152.

The History of William Marshal was commissioned by his son shortly after William’s death in 1219 to celebrate the Marshal’s remarkable life; it is an authentic, contemporary voice. The manuscript was discovered in 1861 by French historian Paul Meyer. Meyer published the manuscript in its original Anglo-French in 1891 in two books. This book is a line by line translation of the first of Meyer’s books; lines 1-10152. Book 1 of the History begins in 1139 and ends in 1194. It describes the events of the Anarchy, the role of William’s father John, John’s marriages, William’s childhood, his role as a hostage at the siege of Newbury, his injury and imprisonment in Poitou where he met Eleanor of Aquitaine and his life as a knight errant. It continues with the accusation against him of an improper relationship with Margaret, wife of Henry the Young King, his exile, and return, the death of Henry the Young King, the rebellion of Richard, the future King Richard I, war with France, the death of King Henry II, and the capture of King Richard, and the rebellion of John, the future King John. It ends with the release of King Richard and the death of John Marshal.

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In 1174 [her son] Dafydd ab Owain Aberffraw Prince Gwynedd (age 29) and [her daughter-in-law] Emma Plantagenet were married. She the illegitmate daughter of Geoffrey Plantagenet Duke Normandy and Mistress Unknown. He the son of [her former husband] Owain "Great" King Gwynedd and Cristin ferch Goronwy Unknown Queen Consort Gwynedd (age 69).