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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Paternal Family Tree: Carew
Before 1514 Peter Carew was born to [his father] William Carew [aged 30] and [his mother] Joan Courtenay [aged 33] in Mohun Ottery, Devon.
In 1538 [his father] William Carew [aged 55] died.
In 1546 [his mother] Joan Courtenay [aged 66] died.
Chronicle of Queen Jane and Two Years of Queen Mary 1554. 17th January 1554. Within yj. dayes after ther was worde brought howe that sir Peter Carowe [aged 40], sir [his uncle] Gawen Carowe [aged 70], sir Thomas Dey,(?) and sir (blank), with dy verse others, wer uppe in Devonshire resysting of the king of Spaynes comyng, and that they hade taken the city of Exeter and castell ther into their custodye.
Chronicle of Queen Jane and Two Years of Queen Mary 1554. [3rd February 1554]. On sattersdaye in the mornynge, being the thirde of Februarye, ther came fourthe a proclamation, sett furthe by the quenes counsell, wherin was declared that that traytour Wyat deduced simple people agaynst the quene. Wherefore, she willed all her loving subjectes to endevour themselves to withstande him; and that the duke of Suffolke, with his ij. brethren, were dyscomfeted by the erle of Huntingdon, and certayn of his horsemen taken, and the duke and his ij. brethren fledde in servingman's cottes; and that sir Peter Carowe [aged 40] was fled into France; and that sir Gawen Carowe [aged 70], Gibbes, and others, were taken, and remayn in Exeter; and that the hole cytie of Exeter, and commons therabout, were at the quenes commandement, with their powere, to the death.a And that she dyd pardon the hole campe except Wyat, Harper, Rudestone, and Iseley; and that whosoever coulde take Wyat, except the sayd iiij. persons, should have an hunderith poundes a yere to them and to their heires for ever.
Note a. Sir Peter Carew, and his uncle sir Gawen, had been the commanders employed by the government of king Edward VI. to quell the insurrection of Humphrey Arundell and others in Devonshire, in the year 1549, and had been rewarded with the rebels' lands. (Lysons, Magna Britannia, Devonshire, p. x.) Mr. Lysons found no account of the present insurrection in any of the annals of Exeter; and from "The Life of Sir Peter Carew, of Mohun's Ottery," written by John Vowell, alias Hoker (the historian of Exeter), which is printed in the 28th volume of Archaeologia, it is evident that the reports which reached London were much exaggerated. It appears that, before the conspirators had made any head, sir Gawen Carew, sir Arthur Champernowne, and William Gybbes esquire were arrested by sir Thomas Denys the sheriff and sir John Sentleger. Sir Peter Carew, escaping to Weymouth, fled first to France, afterwards to Venice, and lastly to Strasburg; from whence he was tempted to goto Antwerp, in order to seek an interview with lord Paget, but, being arrested, was at last brought back to the Tower of London, in company with sir John Cheke, and finally made his peace with the queen by payment of a heavy fine. See the narrative of these adventures in Archaeologia, vol. xxviii. pp. 120 et seq.; and see also in Tytler's "Edward VI. and Mary," a letter addressed to the queen by sir Nicholas Wotton, her ambassador at Paris, describing sir Peter Carew's reception on his first arrival in France. The date of his release is shown by the following passage in a letter of sir John Mason to Peter Vannes, dated London, Oct. 12, 1555: "Mr. Carew, having throughlie clered himself of all matters layed unto his charge, is also abrode with the quenes favour." (MS. Cotton. Vesp. C. VII. f. 200.)
Before 1558 Gerlach Flicke [aged 37]. Portrait of Peter Carew [aged 44].
On 1st January 1562 the New Years Gift Giving was held. Those who gave gifts provide an interesting who's who of the Elizabethan Court soon after Elizabeth I's Coronation. Queen Elizabeth [aged 28] was present since a number are described as "With the Qene her Majestie."
For 'dimy' read 'demi' ie half-sovereigns.
Neweeyeur's Gyftes gevon to the Quene her Majestie by those Parsons whose Names hereafter ensue, the first of January, the Yere above wrytten.
By the Lady Margaret Strainge [aged 22], a little round mounte of golde to conteyne a pomaunder in it. With the Qene her Majestie. Note. Lady Margaret Strange married Henry Stanley Lord Strange [aged 30] on 07 Feb 1555. In 1561 he had not succeeded to Earldom of Derby and was known by the courtesy title Lord Strange. She is listed first since she was one of the few remaining direct descendants of Henry VII, being a great-granddaughter by his daughter Mary Tudor. Margaret Clifford was first in line to succeed in 1568 but died in 1596 before Elizabeth I.
Dukes, Marquises and Earls.
By the Duke of Norfolke [aged 25], in a purse of purple silke and golde knit, in sundry coynes of golde £20 0s 0d.
By the Marquis of Winchester [aged 79], High Threasourer of Englande, in a purse of crymsen satten, in angells £20 0s 0d.
By the Marquis of Northampton [aged 50], in a purse of crymsen silke and gold knit, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.
By the Earle of Arundell [aged 49], Lord Steward, in a paper, in angels, £30 0s 0d.
By the Earle of Shrewesburye [aged 34], in a red silke purse, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.
By the Earle of Darbye [aged 52], in a purse of crymsen satten, embraudered with golde, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.
By the Earle of Pembroke [aged 61], in a purse of black silk and silver knit, in new angells £30 0s 0d.
By the Earle of Bedforde [aged 35], in a purse of black silk and golde knytt, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.
By the Earle of Rutlande [aged 35], in a purse of red silk and golde knytt, in dimy soveraigns and angells £20 0s 0d.
By the Earle of Huntingdon, in a red silk purse, in angells £15 0s 0d.
By the Earle of Westmerlande [aged 37], in a red silk purse, in dimy soveraigns £10 0s 0d.
By the Earle of Oxforde [aged 46], in a red silk purse, in dimy soveraigns £10 0s 0d.
By the Earle of Northumberlande [aged 34], in a purse of black silke and silver knytt, in angells £10 0s 0d. With the Quene her Highness.
By the Earle of Warwike [aged 32], a smocke wrought with black silk, a peire of slevis, and a partelett wrought with gold, silver, and black silke. Delivered to the Baroness Cobham [aged 23].
By the Viscounte Mountague [aged 33], in a purse of cloth of golde, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d. With her said Majestie.
Bishops. The list of Bishops ends with "With her said Majestie"; unclear whether this refers to all the Bishops listed.
By the Archbusshop of Caunterbury [aged 57], in a red silk purse, in dimy soveraigns £40 0s 0d.
By the Archbusshop of York [aged 61], in soveraigns £30 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Duresme [aged 42], in a purse of crymson silk and gold knytt, in angells £30 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Ely [aged 69], in a red vellat purse, in angells £30 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Wynchester [aged 52], in a purse of crymsen silk and gold knytt and set with pearles, in angells £20 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of London [aged 43], in a red satten purse, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Salisbury [aged 39], in a red satten purse, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Worcester [aged 43], in a black vellat purse, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Lyncoln [aged 42], in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Chychester [aged 64], in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Norwich [aged 50], in a blew silk purse £13 6s 8d.
By the Busshop of Hereforde [aged 52], in a green silk purse, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Lychfield and Coventry [aged 48], in a red satten purse, in angells £13 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Rochester [aged 48], in a red purse, in gold £13 6s 8d.
By the Busshop of Saint Davies [aged 55], in a red silk purse, in angells £10 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Bathe, in a purse of red silk, in angells £10 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Exetour, in a blew silk purse, in angells £10 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Peterborowe, in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Chester, in a red purse, in angells and soveraignes £10 0s 0d.
Duchesses and Countesses.
By the Duchess of Norfolke [aged 22], in a prse of crymsen silk and gold knyt, in angells £20 0s 0d.
By the Duchess of Somerset [aged 65], in a purse of silver and black silk, in royalls and ducketts £14 0s 0d. Probably the Dowager Duchess of Somerset since her husband Edward Seymour 1st Duke of Somerset had been executed in 1552, and their children disinherited as a result.
By the Countess of Surrey, in a purse of tawny silk and gold, in dimy soveraignes £5 0s 0d. Dowager since her husband Henry Howard 1516-1547, by courtesy Earl Surrey, had been executed in 1547.
By the Countess of Pembroke [aged 38], in a cherry bag of crymsen satten, in new angells £15 0s 0d.
By the Countess of Bedford [aged 36], in a purse of crymsen silk and silver knytt, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.
By the Countess of Darby [aged 51], in a purse of crymson sattin embrodred with gold, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.
By the Countess of Oxford [aged 36], in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes £5 0s 0d.
By the Countess of Shrewisbury, Dowager [aged 62], in a purse of black silk knytt, in dimy soveraignes £12 0s 0d.
By the Countess of Shrewisbury [aged 37], in a red silk purse knytt, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.
By the Countess of Huntingdon, Dowager [aged 51], in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.
By the Countess of Huntingdon [aged 24], in a red purse, in angells £10 0s 0d.
By the Countess of Northumberland [aged 24], in a purse of black silk and silver knytt, in angells £10 0s 0d.
By the Countess of Rutland [aged 29], in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes £13 6s 8d.
Viscountesses.
By the Vicountess Hereford, Dowager [aged 42], six hankercheffes edged with gold delivered to the said Baroness Cobham.
By the Vicountess Mountague [aged 23], in a purse of cloth of gold, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.
Lordes.
By the Lorde Keeper of the Great Seale, Bacon [aged 51], in a purse of silver knytt, in angells £13 6s 8d.
By the Lorde William Howard, Lord Chamberlen [aged 52], in a purse of crymsen silk and gold knytt, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.
By the Lorde Pagett [aged 56], in a greene purse in dimy soveraignes £13 6s 8d.
By the Lorde Clynton, Lord Admyrall [aged 50], in gold £10 0s 0d.
By the Lorde Riche [aged 65], in a red satten purse, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.
By the Lorde North [aged 66], in a purse of purple silk and silver, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.
By the Lorde Lumley [aged 29], in a paper, in angells £20 0s 0d.
By the Lorde Hastings of Loughboro [aged 41], in a red silk purse, in French crowns £13 0s 0d.
By the Lorde Stafford [aged 60], in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes £5 0s 0d.
By the Lorde Windsor [aged 30], in a purse of crymsn silk and gold knytt, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d. With her said Majestie.
by Lorde John Graye [aged 38], a haunce pott of allabaster garnished with silver gilt. Delivered in charge to John Asteley, Esq Master and Threasourer of her Highnes Jewels and Plate. Lord John Grey assumed to be a courtesy title his father being Thomas Grey 2nd Marquess Dorset.
By the Lorde Barkeley [aged 27], in a red purse, in gold £10 0s 0d.
By the Lorde Mountejoye [aged 29], in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.
By the Lorde Abergavennye [aged 36], in a purse of red silke, in dimy soveraignes £5 0s 0d.
By the Lorde Scrowpe [aged 28], in a purse of blak silk and silver knytt, in angells £10 0s 0d.
By the Lorde Caree of Hundesdon [aged 35], in a purse of crymsen silk, in double ducketts £13 6s 8d.
By the Lorde Strainge, in a purse of red silk and gold, in dimy soveraignes £5 0s 0d. Lord Strange being the courtesy title for the Earldom of Derby. He wouldn't inherit until 1572.
By the Lorde Darcey of Chichey [aged 30], in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes, £10 0s 0d.
By the Lorde Shefild [aged 24], in a red silk purse, in gold £10 0s 0d.
By the Lorde Shandowes [aged 40], in a blak silk purse, in angells £10 0s 0d. With her said Majestie.
Ladyes.
By the Baroness Howarde [aged 47], in a purse of crymsen silk and knytt, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d. With her said Majestie.
By the Baroness Clinton [aged 35], a peire of sleevis of gold, pulled out with lawne. Delivered to the said Baroness Cobham.
By the Baroness Genevillet, in gold £6 13s 4d.
By the Lady Barkeley [aged 24], Lord Barkeley's wife, in gold £5 0s 0d.
By the Lady Mountejoye [aged 30], in a red silk purse, in angells £10 0s 0d.
By the Lady Abergavenny, in a red satten purse, in dimy soveraignes £5 0s 0d.
By the Lady Caree of Hundesdon [aged 33], in a blak purse knytt, in angells £10 0s 0d.
By the Lady Taylboyes, Sir Peter Carewe's [aged 48] wyfe, in a purse of blak silk and silver, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d. With her said Majestie.
By the Baroness Cobham, a partelett and a peire of sleeves of sypers wrought with silver and blak silke. Re-delivered to herself.
By the Lady Dakers [aged 21], a warming ball of gold, per oz. 3 oz. dim. With her said Majestie.
By the Lady Shefilde [aged 20], a paire of sleeves wrought with fringe of blak silk and lozeng of gold. Delivered to the said Baroness Cobham.
By the Margaret Baroness Scrope [aged 18], in a purse of blak silk and silver, in angells £7 0s 0d. With her said Majestie.
By the Lady Shandowes [aged 38], a peire of sleeves and a partlett of gold and silver knytt, cawle fashion. Delivered to the said Baroness Cobham.
By the Lady Knowlles [aged 38], a feyne carpett of needleworke, theverende frienged and buttoned with gold and silk. Delivered to John Torneworth, Groom of the Privy Chamber.
By the Lady Butler, in a little white purse, in French crowns £6 0s 0d. With her said Majestie. Unclear as to who Lady Butler refers to.
By the Lady Raclyef, a peire of sleeves of cameryk, all over sett with purle, and two sweet bags. Delivered to the said Baroness Cobham.
On 27th November 1575 Peter Carew [aged 61] died at Ross, Country Waterford, Ireland. He was buried at Waterford Cathedral.
Archaeologia Volume 28 Section 7. VII. The Life of Sir Peter Carew, of Mohun Ottery, co. Devon. Communicated by Sir Thomas Phillipps, Bart ., F.R.S., F.S.A. in a Letter to Sir Henry Ellis, K.H., F.R,S., Secretary. Read Nov. 20, 1838.
[his father] William Carew and [his mother] Joan Courtenay were married. They were fourth cousin once removed.
Kings Wessex: Great x 14 Grand Son of King Edmund "Ironside" I of England
Kings Gwynedd: Great x 11 Grand Son of Owain "Great" King Gwynedd
Kings Seisyllwg: Great x 17 Grand Son of Hywel "Dda aka Good" King Seisyllwg King Deheubarth
Kings Powys: Great x 12 Grand Son of Maredudd ap Bleddyn King Powys
Kings England: Great x 7 Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Kings Scotland: Great x 13 Grand Son of King Duncan I of Scotland
Kings Franks: Great x 21 Grand Son of Charles "Charlemagne aka Great" King of the Franks King Lombardy Holy Roman Emperor
Kings France: Great x 15 Grand Son of Hugh I King of the Franks
Kings Duke Aquitaine: Great x 19 Grand Son of Ranulf I Duke Aquitaine
Great x 4 Grandfather: Thomas "Baron Hydon" Carew 
4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: Nicholas Carew 5 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Bonville 
Great x 2 Grandfather: Thomas Carew 4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Hugh Courtenay 2 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Joan Courtenay 3 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England
Great x 1 Grandfather: Nicholas Carew 5 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
GrandFather: Edmund Carew 6 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: John Dynham
Great x 3 Grandfather: John Dynham 8 x Great Grand Son of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Muriel Courtenay 7 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England
Great x 2 Grandfather: John Dynham 7 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: John Lovell 6th Baron Lovel 
5 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Philippa Lovell 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 1 Grandmother: Margery Dynham 8 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: Richard Arches of Eythrop
Great x 2 Grandmother: Joan Arches
Father: William Carew 7 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 1 Grandfather: William Huddersfield
GrandMother: Katherine Huddersfield
Great x 2 Grandfather: John Bosome
Great x 1 Grandmother: Jennet or Elizabeth Bosome
Peter Carew 7 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Philip Courtenay Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: John Courtenay 2 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Anne Wake 
Great x 2 Grandfather: Philip Courtenay 3 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Richard Champernoun
Great x 3 Grandmother: Joan Champernoun 8 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Alice Astley 7 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England
Great x 1 Grandfather: William Courtenay 4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Thomas Hungerford 
Great x 3 Grandfather: Walter Hungerford 1st Baron Hungerford
Great x 4 Grandmother: Joan Hussey 
Great x 2 Grandmother: Elizabeth Hungerford 9 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Thomas Peverell
Great x 3 Grandmother: Eleanor or Catherine Peverell 8 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Margaret Courtenay 7 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England
GrandFather: William Courtenay 5 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: William Bonville
Great x 3 Grandfather: John Bonville
Great x 4 Grandmother: Margaret Aumale
Great x 2 Grandfather: William Bonville 1st Baron Bonville 7 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: John Fitzroger 5 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Elizabeth Fitzroger 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 1 Grandmother: Margaret Bonville 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Reginald Grey 2nd Baron Grey Ruthyn 
7 x Great Grand Son of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England
Great x 3 Grandfather: Reginald Grey 3rd Baron Grey Ruthyn 5 x Great Grand Son of King John of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Alianore Strange Baroness Grey Ruthyn 
4 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England
Great x 2 Grandmother: Margaret Grey 4 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Thomas Ros 4th Baron Ros Helmsley 
5 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Margaret Ros Baroness Grey Ruthyn 3 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Beatrice Stafford Countess Desmond 
2 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England
Mother: Joan Courtenay 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England
GrandMother: Cecily Cheney