All About History Books on Amazon

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.

Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.

Letters of Queen Henrietta Maria

Letters of Queen Henrietta Maria is in Stewart Books.

[20th October 1644]. To Cardinal Mazarin.

[Archives des Affaires Etrangeres.]

The following letter refers to the well-known duel between the queen's spirited little dwarf, Geoffrey Hudson, and Will. Crofts [aged 33], which is thus named in contemporary newspapers.

Perfect Passages, October 23rd and 28th —

"By letters from France, it is certified that Will. Crofts, the queen's great favourite's [William Croft's] brother [Charles Crofts], upon some displeasure conceived against him by little Jeffry, the queen's dwarf, with her in France, was by him slain; his brother being captain of the queen's lifeguard, and master of her horse. It appears the challenge was sent by Jeffry, that they fought on horseback, and Jeffry, running his horse in full career, shot his antagonist in the head, and left him dead on the spot."

Cousin,

I wrote to the queen, my sister, about a misfortune which has happened to my house, of Geoffrey, who has killed Croft's brother [Charles Crofts]. I have written the whole affair to the commander, in order that you may hear of it. What I wish is, that as they are both Enghsh, and my servants, the queen my sister will give me authority to dispose of them as I please, in dispensing either justice or favour, which I was unwilling to do, without writing to you, and asking you to assist me therein, as I shall always do in all which concerns me, since I profess to be, as I am, cousin.

Your very affectionate cousin,

Henrietta Maria R.

Nevers, October 20th, 1644.

Click to read more ...