Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall
The Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall (Chronicon Anglicanum) is an indispensable medieval history that brings to life centuries of English and European affairs through the eyes of a learned Cistercian monk. Ralph of Coggeshall, abbot of the Abbey of Coggeshall in Essex in the early 13th century, continued and expanded his community’s chronicle, documenting events from the Norman Conquest of 1066 into the tumultuous reign of King Henry III. Blending eyewitness testimony, careful compilation, and the monastic commitment to record-keeping, this chronicle offers a rare narrative of political intrigue, royal power struggles, and social upheaval in England and beyond. Ralph’s work captures the reigns of pivotal figures such as Richard I and King John, providing invaluable insights into their characters, decisions, and the forces that shaped medieval rule. More than a simple annal, Chronicon Anglicanum conveys the texture of medieval life and governance, making it a rich source for scholars and readers fascinated by English history, monastic authorship, and the shaping of the medieval world.
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Paternal Family Tree: Williams Wynn
In 1634 William Williams 1st Baronet was born to [his father] Hugh Williams and [his mother] Emma Dolben. He was educated at Jesus College, Oxford University.
On 14th April 1664 William Williams 1st Baronet [aged 30] and Margaret Kyffin were married. They had four sons and one daughter.
Around 1665 [his son] William Williams-Wynn 2nd Baronet was born to William Williams 1st Baronet [aged 31] and [his wife] Margaret Kyffin. He married (1) 6th June 1687 Jane Thelwall and had issue (2) after 1706 Catherine Davies.
In 1673 William Williams 1st Baronet [aged 39] sat unsuccessfully for MP Chester in a by-election.
In 1675 William Williams 1st Baronet [aged 41] was elected MP Chester in a by-election.
In 1680 and 1681 William Williams 1st Baronet [aged 46] was elected Speaker of the House of Commons.
In 1685 William Williams 1st Baronet [aged 51] was elected MP Montgomeryshire. His return was cancelled on petition, on the grounds that the contributory boroughs had no opportunity of voting. The prosecution resumed, and he was fined £10,000. He was also fined £20,000 after similar action was instigated by the Earl of Peterborough [aged 63]. Supporters worked on his behalf, including the Earl of Rochester [aged 42]; subsequently, £8,000 was accepted as full payment for the former fine, and Peterborough accepted a token payment for the latter after persuasion from James, now king.
In 1687 William Williams 1st Baronet [aged 53] was appointed Solicitor General.
On 6th June 1687 [his son] William Williams-Wynn 2nd Baronet [aged 22] and [his daughter-in-law] Jane Thelwall were married.
Anne Boleyn. Her Life as told by Lancelot de Carle's 1536 Letter.
In 1536, two weeks after the execution of Anne Boleyn, her brother George and four others, Lancelot du Carle, wrote an extraordinary letter that described Anne's life, and her trial and execution, to which he was a witness. This book presents a new translation of that letter, with additional material from other contemporary sources such as Letters, Hall's and Wriothesley's Chronicles, the pamphlets of Wynkyn the Worde, the Memorial of George Constantyne, the Portuguese Letter and the Baga de Secrets, all of which are provided in Appendices.
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In June 1688 William Williams 1st Baronet [aged 54] was created 1st Baronet Williams of Gray's Inn.
In 1689 and 1681 William Williams 1st Baronet [aged 55] was elected MP Beaumaris.
On 11th July 1700 William Williams 1st Baronet [aged 66] died. He was buried at Llansilin. His son William [aged 35] succeeded 2nd Baronet Williams of Gray's Inn.