William of Worcester's Chronicle of England
William of Worcester, born around 1415, and died around 1482 was secretary to John Fastolf, the renowned soldier of the Hundred Years War, during which time he collected documents, letters, and wrote a record of events. Following their return to England in 1440 William was witness to major events. Twice in his chronicle he uses the first person: 1. when writing about the murder of Thomas, 7th Baron Scales, in 1460, he writes '… and I saw him lying naked in the cemetery near the porch of the church of St. Mary Overie in Southwark …' and 2. describing King Edward IV's entry into London in 1461 he writes '… proclaimed that all the people themselves were to recognize and acknowledge Edward as king. I was present and heard this, and immediately went down with them into the city'. William’s Chronicle is rich in detail. It is the source of much information about the Wars of the Roses, including the term 'Diabolical Marriage' to describe the marriage of Queen Elizabeth Woodville’s brother John’s marriage to Katherine, Dowager Duchess of Norfolk, he aged twenty, she sixty-five or more, and the story about a paper crown being placed in mockery on the severed head of Richard, 3rd Duke of York.
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Paternal Family Tree: Cecil
Maternal Family Tree: Aoife ni Diarmait Macmurrough Countess Pembroke and Buckingham 1145-1188
In or before 1566 [his father] Thomas Cecil 1st Earl Exeter (age 23) and [his mother] Dorothy Neville Countess Exeter (age 17) were married.
On 29th February 1572 Edward Cecil 1st was born to [his father] Thomas Cecil 1st Earl Exeter (age 29) and [his mother] Dorothy Neville Countess Exeter (age 24).
On 22nd April 1577 [his grandfather] John Neville 4th Baron Latimer of Snape (age 57) died. He was buried at St Michaels Church, Well. Baron Latimer of Snape abeyant between daughters [his aunt] Katherine Neville Countess Northumberland (age 32), [his mother] Dorothy Neville Countess Exeter (age 29), [his aunt] Lucy Neville (age 28) and [his aunt] Elizabeth Neville (age 27).
On 28th February 1587 [his brother-in-law] William Paulet 4th Marquess Winchester (age 28) and [his sister] Lucy Cecil Marchioness Winchester were married at St Martin in the Fields Church [Map]. She the daughter of [his father] Thomas Cecil 1st Earl Exeter (age 44) and [his mother] Dorothy Neville Countess Exeter (age 39). He the son of William Paulet 3rd Marquess Winchester (age 55) and Agnes Howard Marchioness Winchester (age 52). They were half fourth cousins.
In January 1589 [his brother] William Cecil 2nd Earl Exeter (age 23) and [his sister-in-law] Elizabeth Manners 15th Baroness Ros of Helmsley (age 14) were married at Newark Castle, Nottinghamshire [Map]. She the daughter of Edward Manners 3rd Earl of Rutland and Isabel Holcroft Countess Rutland (age 39). He the son of [his father] Thomas Cecil 1st Earl Exeter (age 46) and [his mother] Dorothy Neville Countess Exeter (age 41). They were fifth cousins.
After 1591 [his brother] William Cecil 2nd Earl Exeter (age 25) and [his sister-in-law] Elizabeth Drury Countess Exeter (age 12) were married. He the son of [his father] Thomas Cecil 1st Earl Exeter (age 48) and [his mother] Dorothy Neville Countess Exeter (age 43). They were third cousin once removed.
On 4th August 1598 [his grandfather] William Cecil 1st Baron Burghley (age 77) died. His son [his father] Thomas (age 56) succeeded 2nd Baron Burghley. He was buried at St Martin's Church, Stamford [Map] with a large free-standing Elizabethan Period monument under the north chapel arch, in coloured marbles with a figure on tomb chest under an arched canopy supported on paired columns. Attributed to Cornelius Cure. The emblem of the Knights of the Garter on William's left shoulder. Leg Garter. In his right-hand he is holding the Lord Treasurer Staff of Office; originally white.
The inscription on the monument is on contained within three panels: two on the south (Chancel) side, and one on the north (Chapel) side.
Sacred to God most good and great, and to memory. The most honourable and far renowned Lord William Cecil, Baron of Burghley, Lord High Treasurer of England, President of the Court of Wards, knight of the most noble order of the Garter, Privy Counsellor to the most serene Elizabeth, Queen of England, &c., and Chancellor of the University of Cambridge, under this tomb awaits the second coming of Christ: Who for the excellent endowments of the mind, was first made Privy Counsellor to Edward the sixth, King of England; afterwards to Queen Elizabeth: under whom being intrusted with the greatest and most weighty affairs of this kingdom, and above all others approved, in promoting the true religion, and providing for the safety and honour of the commonwealth; by his prudence, honesty, integrity, and great services to the nation, he obtained the highest honours: and when he had long enough to nature, long enough for glory, but not long enough to his country, quietly fell asleep in Christ. He had two wives: [his grandmother] Mary, sister of Sir John Cheeke, knight, of whom ie begat one son, Thomas, now Baron of Burghley; and Mildred, daughter of Sir Anthony Cooke, knight, who bore to him Sir [his uncle] Robert Cecil (age 35), knight, Privy Counsellor to Queen Elizabeth and President of the Court of Wards; [his aunt] Anne, married to Edward, Earl of Oxford (age 48); and [his aunt] Elizabeth (age 34) to William Wentworth, eldest son of Baron Wentworth.
Mary Cheke: she was born to Peter Cheke. In 1541 William Cecil 1st Baron Burghley and she were married. In February 1543 Mary Cheke died.
Elizabeth Cecil: On 1st July 1564 she was born to William Cecil 1st Baron Burghley and Mildred Cooke Baroness Burghley. On 26th February 1582 William Wentworth and she were married.
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On 24th November 1598 William Paulet 3rd Marquess Winchester (age 66) died. His son [his brother-in-law] William (age 39) succeeded 4th Marquess Winchester, 4th Earl Wiltshire, 4th Baron St John. [his sister] Lucy Cecil Marchioness Winchester by marriage Marchioness Winchester.
In 1601 Edward Cecil 1st (age 28) and Theodosia Noel (age 16) were married. He the son of Thomas Cecil 1st Earl Exeter (age 58) and Dorothy Neville Countess Exeter (age 53).
This is a translation of the 'Memoires of Jacques du Clercq', published in 1823 in two volumes, edited by Frederic, Baron de Reissenberg. In his introduction Reissenberg writes: 'Jacques du Clercq tells us that he was born in 1424, and that he was a licentiate in law and a counsellor to Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy, in the castellany of Douai, Lille, and Orchies. It appears that he established his residence at Arras. In 1446, he married the daughter of Baldwin de la Lacherie, a gentleman who lived in Lille. We read in the fifth book of his Memoirs that his father, also named Jacques du Clercq, had married a lady of the Le Camelin family, from Compiègne. His ancestors, always attached to the counts of Flanders, had constantly served them, whether in their councils or in their armies.' The Memoires cover a period of nineteen years beginning in in 1448, ending in in 1467. It appears that the author had intended to extend the Memoirs beyond that date; no doubt illness or death prevented him from carrying out this plan. As Reissenberg writes the 'merit of this work lies in the simplicity of its narrative, in its tone of good faith, and in a certain air of frankness which naturally wins the reader’s confidence.' Du Clercq ranges from events of national and international importance, including events of the Wars of the Roses in England, to simple, everyday local events such as marriages, robberies, murders, trials and deaths, including that of his own father in Book 5; one of his last entries.
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In 1601 [his father] Thomas Cecil 1st Earl Exeter (age 58) was appointed 392nd Knight of the Garter by Queen Elizabeth I of England and Ireland (age 67).
In 1601 [his father] Thomas Cecil 1st Earl Exeter (age 58) was created 1st Earl Exeter. [his mother] Dorothy Neville Countess Exeter (age 53) by marriage Countess Exeter.
Before 3rd September 1602 [his brother-in-law] Nicholas Tufton 1st Earl of Thanet (age 24) and [his sister] Frances Cecil Countess Isle Thanet (age 21) were married. She the daughter of [his father] Thomas Cecil 1st Earl Exeter (age 60) and [his mother] Dorothy Neville Countess Exeter (age 54). They were fourth cousin once removed.
In 1603 [his daughter] Dorothy Cecil was born to Edward Cecil 1st (age 30) and [his wife] Theodosia Noel (age 18).
In 1609 [his mother] Dorothy Neville Countess Exeter (age 61) died.
In 1610 [his father] Thomas Cecil 1st Earl Exeter (age 67) and [his step-mother] Frances Brydges Countess Exeter (age 30) were married. She by marriage Countess Exeter. The difference in their ages was 37 years.
Before 1614 [his brother-in-law] Edward Denny 1st Earl Norwich (age 44) and [his sister] Mary Cecil Countess Norwich were married. She the daughter of [his father] Thomas Cecil 1st Earl Exeter (age 71) and [his mother] Dorothy Neville Countess Exeter. They were half second cousin once removed.
In October 1614 [his sister] Lucy Cecil Marchioness Winchester died.
In February 1618 Edward Cecil 1st (age 45) and Diana Drury Viscountess Wimbledon were married. He the son of Thomas Cecil 1st Earl Exeter (age 75) and Dorothy Neville Countess Exeter. They were third cousin once removed.
Letters of John Chamberlain Volume 2.310. [19th December 1618] Sir Edwin Riches (age 57) Lady [Margaret aka Honora Worlich] dieng the last weeke in childbed, yt was geven out all over to be Sir Harry Riches (age 28) Lady, and so was the matter mistaken two or three dayes, but I heare nothing but well of her, by those that saw her since this report. Sir Edward Cecill (age 46) hath lost his litle daughter he had by this Lady [his wife] Diana Drurie, but the best is she is saide to be quicke with child again and so not out of hope of an heyre male. Master Wake1 arrived here on Sonday and went the next day toward the King: he found goode entertainment at Paris, and though he kept himselfe private yet he was visited in great troupes both by Monsieur Betunes with the other ambassador that was his colleague and others, with so many caresses and such ouvertures that yf he durst have taken hold of them he might easilie have peeced all again, which they seeme very desirous of, and to lay all the blame on theyre owne minister. He sent to me as soone as he came, and to my seeming is much amended both in garbe and countenance. The Kinge comes this day to Tiballs and on Monday or Tewsday to White-hall: to morow is a christning at court of Sir Patricke Murreys sonne, where the Prince, the Duke of Lennox, and the countesse of Mongomerie are to be gossips. This inclosed letter comes about the busines I wrote concerning Master Abell Barnard. His wife2 claimes kinred of your sisters by the Culpepars and her eldest brother [Simon Clarke 1st Baronet] is a baronet.!t So with the remembrance of my best service to my goode Lady I commend you to the protection of the Almighty. From London this 19 of December 1618. Your Lordships at commaund.
John Chamberlain (age 65).
To the right honorable Sir Dudley Carleton knight Lord Ambassador for his Majestie with the States of the United Provinces at the Hagh.
Note 1. Isaac Wake, English agent at Turin.
Note 2. Anne, daughter of Walter Clarke of Burford, Kent, and wife of Abel Barnard of Pyrton, Oxfordshire. Lady Carleton's half-sister Elizabeth married Sir John Sedley of Southfleet, Kent, whose maternal grandmother was Anne, daughter of John Colepeper of Aylesford, Kent.
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Adam Murimuth's Continuation and Robert of Avesbury’s 'The Wonderful Deeds of King Edward III'
This volume brings together two of the most important contemporary chronicles for the reign of Edward III and the opening phases of the Hundred Years’ War. Written in Latin by English clerical observers, these texts provide a vivid and authoritative window into the political, diplomatic, and military history of fourteenth-century England and its continental ambitions. Adam Murimuth Continuatio's Chronicarum continues an earlier chronicle into the mid-fourteenth century, offering concise but valuable notices on royal policy, foreign relations, and ecclesiastical affairs. Its annalistic structure makes it especially useful for establishing chronology and tracing the development of events year by year. Complementing it, Robert of Avesbury’s De gestis mirabilibus regis Edwardi tertii is a rich documentary chronicle preserving letters, treaties, and official records alongside narrative passages. It is an indispensable source for understanding Edward III’s claim to the French crown, the conduct of war, and the mechanisms of medieval diplomacy. Together, these works offer scholars, students, and enthusiasts a reliable and unembellished account of a transformative period in English and European history. Essential for anyone interested in medieval chronicles, the Hundred Years’ War, or the reign of Edward III.
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Around 1620 [his son-in-law] James Fiennes 2nd Viscount Saye and Sele (age 18) and [his daughter] Frances Cecil were married.
On 8th February 1623 [his father] Thomas Cecil 1st Earl Exeter (age 80) died. He was buried at Chapel of St John the Baptist, Westminster Abbey [Map]. His son [his brother] William (age 57) succeeded 2nd Earl Exeter, 3rd Baron Burghley. [his sister-in-law] Elizabeth Drury Countess Exeter (age 45) by marriage Countess Exeter.
On 3rd August 1623 [his son-in-law] Christopher Wray (age 22) and [his daughter] Albinia Cecil were married. They were fourth cousin once removed.
On 2nd April 1624 John Tufton 1st Baronet (age 80) died. His son [his brother-in-law] Nicholas (age 46) succeeded 2nd Baronet Tufton of Hothfield. [his sister] Frances Cecil Countess Isle Thanet (age 43) by marriage Lady Tufton of Hothfield.
In November 1625 Edward Cecil 1st (age 53) was created 1st Viscount Wimbledon, 1st Baron Cecil of Putney. [his wife] Diana Drury Viscountess Wimbledon by marriage Viscountess Wimbledon.
On 17th October 1626 [his brother-in-law] Edward Denny 1st Earl Norwich (age 57) was created 1st Earl Norwich. [his sister] Mary Cecil Countess Norwich by marriage Countess Norwich.
On 1st November 1626 [his brother-in-law] Nicholas Tufton 1st Earl of Thanet (age 48) was created 1st Baron Tufton. [his sister] Frances Cecil Countess Isle Thanet (age 45) by marriage Baroness Tufton.
On 5th August 1628 [his brother-in-law] Nicholas Tufton 1st Earl of Thanet (age 50) was created 1st Earl of Thanet. [his sister] Frances Cecil Countess Isle Thanet (age 47) by marriage Countess of Thanet.
On 16th November 1628 [his son-in-law] Francis Willoughby 5th Baron Willoughby of Parham and [his daughter] Elizabeth Cecil Baroness Willoughby of Parham were married. She by marriage Baroness Willoughby Parham. They were sixth cousins.
In 1631 [his wife] Diana Drury Viscountess Wimbledon died.
In 1631 Michiel Janszoon van Mierevelt (age 64). Portrait of Edward Cecil 1st (age 58).
In 1635 Edward Cecil 1st (age 62) and Sophia Zouche (age 17) were married. The difference in their ages was 45 years. He the son of Thomas Cecil 1st Earl Exeter and Dorothy Neville Countess Exeter. They were half fourth cousin twice removed.
Abbot John Whethamstede’s Chronicle of the Abbey of St Albans
Abbot John Whethamstede's Register aka Chronicle of his second term at the Abbey of St Albans, 1451-1461, is a remarkable text that describes his first-hand experience of the beginning of the Wars of the Roses including the First and Second Battles of St Albans, 1455 and 1461, respectively, their cause, and their consequences, not least on the Abbey itself. His text also includes Loveday, Blore Heath, Northampton, the Act of Accord, Wakefield, and Towton, and ends with the Coronation of King Edward IV. In addition to the events of the Wars of the Roses, Abbot John, or his scribes who wrote the Chronicle, include details in the life of the Abbey such as charters, letters, land exchanges, visits by legates, and disputes, which provide a rich insight into the day-to-day life of the Abbey, and the challenges faced by its Abbot.
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Before 1638 Michiel Janszoon van Mierevelt (age 71). Portrait of Edward Cecil 1st (age 65).
After 1638 Robert King (age 39) and [his wife] Sophia Zouche (age 20) were married.
On 18th March 1638 [his sister] Mary Cecil Countess Norwich died.
On 16th November 1638 Edward Cecil 1st (age 66) died. He was buried at Cecil Chapel St Mary's Church, Wimbledon. Viscount Wimbledon, Baron Cecil of Putney extinct.
In 1691 [his former wife] Sophia Zouche (age 73) died.
[his daughter] Anne Cecil was born to Edward Cecil 1st and Diana Drury Viscountess Wimbledon.
[his daughter] Utriche Cecil was born to Edward Cecil 1st and Theodosia Noel at Utrecht.
[his daughter] Frances Cecil was born to Edward Cecil 1st and Theodosia Noel. She married 1620 James Fiennes 2nd Viscount Saye and Sele, son of William Fiennes 1st Viscount Saye and Sele, and had issue.
[his daughter] Albinia Cecil was born to Edward Cecil 1st and Theodosia Noel. She married 3rd August 1623 her fourth cousin once removed Christopher Wray, son of William Wray 1st Baronet and Frances Drury Lady Glentworth, and had issue.
[his daughter] Elizabeth Cecil Baroness Willoughby of Parham was born to Edward Cecil 1st and Theodosia Noel. She married 16th November 1628 her sixth cousin Francis Willoughby 5th Baron Willoughby of Parham, son of William Willoughby 3rd Baron Willoughby of Parham and Frances Manners Baroness Willoughby of Parham, and had issue.
Kings Wessex: Great x 16 Grand Son of King Edmund "Ironside" I of England
Kings Gwynedd: Great x 14 Grand Son of Owain "Great" King Gwynedd
Kings Seisyllwg: Great x 19 Grand Son of Hywel "Dda aka Good" King Seisyllwg King Deheubarth
Kings Powys: Great x 15 Grand Son of Maredudd ap Bleddyn King Powys
Kings Godwinson: Great x 17 Grand Son of King Harold II of England
Kings England: Great x 7 Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Kings Scotland: Great x 15 Grand Son of King Duncan I of Scotland
Kings Franks: Great x 13 Grand Son of Louis VII King of the Franks
Kings France: Great x 16 Grand Son of Robert "Pious" II King of the Franks
Kings Duke Aquitaine: Great x 20 Grand Son of Ranulf I Duke Aquitaine
Great x 4 Grandfather: Philip Cecil 
Great x 3 Grandfather: Richard Cecil
Great x 2 Grandfather: David Cecil
Great x 1 Grandfather: Richard Cecil
Great x 2 Grandmother: Alice Dicons
GrandFather: William Cecil 1st Baron Burghley
Great x 2 Grandfather: William Heckington
Great x 1 Grandmother: Jane Heckington
Father: Thomas Cecil 1st Earl Exeter
Great x 2 Grandfather: Robert Cheke
Great x 1 Grandfather: Peter Cheke
GrandMother: Mary Cheke
Edward Cecil 1st Viscount Wimbledon 7 x Great Grand Son of
Great x 4 Grandfather: George Neville 1st Baron Latimer of Snape 
Great Grand Son of
Great x 3 Grandfather: Henry Neville 2 x Great Grand Son of
Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Beauchamp Baroness Latimer 
4 x Great Grand Daughter of
Great x 2 Grandfather: Richard Neville 2nd Baron Latimer of Snape 3 x Great Grand Son of
Great x 4 Grandfather: John Bourchier 1st Baron Berners 
Great Grand Son of
Great x 3 Grandmother: Joan Bourchier 2 x Great Grand Daughter of
Great x 4 Grandmother: Margery Berners Baroness Berners
Great x 1 Grandfather: John Neville 3rd Baron Latimer 4 x Great Grand Son of
Great x 4 Grandfather: Humphrey Stafford 
11 x Great Grand Son of
Great x 3 Grandfather: Humphrey Stafford 12 x Great Grand Son of
Great x 4 Grandmother: Eleanor Aylesbury 
Great x 2 Grandmother: Anne Stafford Baroness Latimer 13 x Great Grand Daughter of
Great x 4 Grandfather: John Fray
Great x 3 Grandmother: Catherine Fray
Great x 4 Grandmother: Agnes Danvers Baroness Wenlock 
GrandFather: John Neville 4th Baron Latimer of Snape 5 x Great Grand Son of
Great x 4 Grandfather: Richard de Vere 11th Earl of Oxford 
5 x Great Grand Son of
Great x 3 Grandfather: John de Vere 12th Earl of Oxford 6 x Great Grand Son of
Great x 4 Grandmother: Alice Sergeaux Countess Oxford
Great x 2 Grandfather: George de Vere 6 x Great Grand Son of
Great x 4 Grandfather: John Howard 
4 x Great Grand Son of
Great x 3 Grandmother: Elizabeth Howard Countess of Oxford 5 x Great Grand Daughter of
Great x 4 Grandmother: Joan Walton
Great x 1 Grandmother: Dorothy de Vere 7 x Great Grand Daughter of
Great x 4 Grandfather: Humphrey Stafford 10 x Great Grand Son of
Great x 3 Grandfather: William Stafford 11 x Great Grand Son of
Great x 2 Grandmother: Margaret Stafford 8 x Great Grand Daughter of
Great x 4 Grandfather: John Chideock 6th Baron Fitzpayn 9 x Great Grand Son of
Great x 3 Grandmother: Catherine Chideocke 7 x Great Grand Daughter of
Great x 4 Grandmother: Catherine Lumley 
6 x Great Grand Daughter of
Mother: Dorothy Neville Countess Exeter 6 x Great Grand Daughter of
Great x 4 Grandfather: Edmund Beaufort 1st or 2nd Duke of Somerset 
Great Grand Son of
Great x 3 Grandfather: Henry Beaufort 2nd or 3rd Duke of Somerset 2 x Great Grand Son of
Great x 4 Grandmother: Eleanor Beauchamp Duchess Somerset 4 x Great Grand Daughter of
Great x 2 Grandfather: Charles Somerset 1st Earl of Worcester 3 x Great Grand Son of
Great x 4 Grandfather: Robert Hill of Shilston
Great x 3 Grandmother: Joan Hill
Great x 4 Grandmother: Margaret Champernoun
Great x 1 Grandfather: Henry Somerset 2nd Earl of Worcester 4 x Great Grand Son of
Great x 4 Grandfather: William Herbert 1st Earl Pembroke 
Great x 3 Grandfather: William Herbert 2nd Earl Pembroke 1st Earl Huntingdon 9 x Great Grand Son of
Great x 4 Grandmother: Anne Devereux 
8 x Great Grand Daughter of
Great x 2 Grandmother: Elizabeth Herbert 3rd Baroness Herbert Raglan 7 x Great Grand Daughter of
Great x 4 Grandfather: Richard Woodville 1st Earl Rivers 
Great x 3 Grandmother: Mary Woodville Countess Pembroke and Huntingdon 6 x Great Grand Daughter of
Great x 4 Grandmother: Jacquetta of Luxemburg Duchess Bedford 
5 x Great Grand Daughter of
GrandMother: Lucy Somerset Baroness Latimer Snape 5 x Great Grand Daughter of
Great x 3 Grandfather: Thomas Browne 
Great x 2 Grandfather: Anthony Browne 6 x Great Grand Son of
Great x 4 Grandfather: Thomas Fitzalan 
4 x Great Grand Son of
Great x 3 Grandmother: Eleanor Fitzalan 5 x Great Grand Daughter of
Great x 4 Grandmother: Joan Moyns
Great x 1 Grandmother: Elizabeth Browne Countess of Worcester 4 x Great Grand Daughter of
Great x 4 Grandfather: Richard Neville Earl Salisbury Great Grand Son of
Great x 3 Grandfather: John Neville 1st Marquess Montagu 2 x Great Grand Son of
Great x 4 Grandmother: Alice Montagu 5th Countess of Salisbury 
3 x Great Grand Daughter of
Great x 2 Grandmother: Lucy Neville 3 x Great Grand Daughter of
Great x 4 Grandfather: Edmund Ingaldsthorpe
Great x 3 Grandmother: Isabel Ingaldsthorpe 5 x Great Grand Daughter of
Great x 4 Grandmother: Joan Tiptoft 
4 x Great Grand Daughter of