All About History Books on Amazon
Chronicles of the Reigns of Edward I and II Volume 1 Annals of London and Annals of St Paul's
This volume brings together two important medieval chronicles of the reigns of Edward I and Edward II: the Annals of London (Annales Londonienses) and the Annals of St Paul’s (Annales Paulini). Written close to the events they describe, these chronicles offer a vivid contemporary record of English political, military, ecclesiastical and civic life from the late thirteenth to the early fourteenth century. Their particular strength lies in their London perspective, recording not only the affairs of kings, nobles and bishops, but also parliaments, royal proclamations, civic disputes, elections of mayors and sheriffs, executions, tournaments, religious ceremonies, fires, floods, disturbances and the everyday concerns of the capital. The chronicles cover some of the most dramatic events of the period, including the wars of Edward I, conflict with Scotland, the turbulent reign of Edward II, the rise and fall of Piers Gaveston and the Despensers, the rebellion of Thomas of Lancaster, Queen Isabella’s invasion of England, the deposition of Edward II, and the accession of Edward III. The Annales Paulini, associated with St Paul’s Cathedral, is particularly rich in detailed observations of London and its clergy and citizens. An essential primary source for students and readers interested in medieval England, London history, Edward I, Edward II, Edward III, the Scottish wars, medieval politics, and ecclesiastical history, this volume provides an unusually immediate view of a kingdom undergoing profound political upheaval.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
Paternal Family Tree: Hamilton
Around 1607 George Hamilton 1st Baronet of Donalong was born to James Hamilton 1st Earl Abercorn [aged 31] and Marion Boyd Countess Abercorn [aged 24].
In 1609 Esmé Stewart 3rd Duke Lennox [aged 30] and [his future sister-in-law] Katherine Clifton Duchess Lennox [aged 17] were married. He the son of Esme Stewart 1st Duke Lennox and Catherine Balsac Duchess Lennox.
On 23rd March 1618 [his father] James Hamilton 1st Earl Abercorn [aged 42] died. His son [his brother] James [aged 14] succeeded 2nd Earl Abercorn.
In 1627 [his brother] James Hamilton 2nd Earl Abercorn [aged 23] and [his sister-in-law] Katherine Clifton Duchess Lennox [aged 35] were married. She by marriage Baroness Hamilton of Strabane. He the son of [his father] James Hamilton 1st Earl Abercorn and [his mother] Marion Boyd Countess Abercorn [aged 44].
In or before 1629 George Hamilton 1st Baronet of Donalong [aged 21] and Mary Butler [aged 23] were married. He the son of James Hamilton 1st Earl Abercorn and Marion Boyd Countess Abercorn [aged 45].
In December 1629 [his brother-in-law] James Butler 1st Duke Ormonde [aged 19] and Elizabeth Preston Duchess Ormonde [aged 14] were married. She the daughter of Richard Preston 1st Earl Desmond and Elizabeth Butler. They were second cousin once removed.
Around 1630 [his son] James Hamilton was born to George Hamilton 1st Baronet of Donalong [aged 23] and [his wife] Mary Butler [aged 25]. He married Elizabeth Culpepper, daughter of John Culpepper 1st Baron Culpeper and Judith Culpeper, and had issue.
On 26th August 1632 [his mother] Marion Boyd Countess Abercorn [aged 49] died.
In 1641 [his daughter] Elizabeth "La Belle Hamilton" Hamilton was born to George Hamilton 1st Baronet of Donalong [aged 34] and [his wife] Mary Butler [aged 36]. She married before March 1664 Philibert de Gramont and had issue.
All About History Books on Amazon
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.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
In 1646 [his son] Anthony aka Antoine Hamilton was born to George Hamilton 1st Baronet of Donalong [aged 39] and [his wife] Mary Butler [aged 41].
In 1660 George Hamilton 1st Baronet of Donalong [aged 53] was created 1st Baronet Donalong by King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland [aged 29] for his allegiance to the Crown.
Before March 1664 [his son-in-law] Philibert de Gramont [aged 43] and [his daughter] Elizabeth "La Belle Hamilton" Hamilton [aged 23] were married. Anectotally he, Philibert, was returning to France when overtaken by her brothers George and Anthony who, having caught up with him, asked whether he had forgotten something in London to which he replied "Pardonnez-moi, messieurs, j'ai oublié d'épouser votre sœur." (Forgive me, Sirs, I have forgotten to marry your sister). The story is likely wrong since Philibert was returning to France following permission from King Louis XIV following his marriage. The difference in their ages was 20 years.
In 1665 [his son] George Hamilton Comte d'Hamilton and [his daughter-in-law] Frances Jennings [aged 18] were married.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 15th November 1666. Presently after the King [aged 36] was come in, he took the Queene [aged 56], and about fourteen more couple there was, and began the Bransles. As many of the men as I can remember presently, were, the King, Duke of York [aged 33], Prince Rupert [aged 46], Duke of Monmouth [aged 17], Duke of Buckingham [aged 38], Lord Douglas [aged 20], Mr. [George] Hamilton [aged 59], Colonell Russell [aged 46], Mr. Griffith, Lord Ossory [aged 32], Lord Rochester [aged 19]; and of the ladies, the Queene, Duchess of York [aged 29], Mrs. Stewart [aged 19], Duchess of Monmouth [aged 15], Lady Essex Howard, Mrs. Temples [aged 17], Swedes Embassadress, Lady Arlington [aged 32]; Lord George Barkeley's daughter [aged 16] [Note. Assumed Elizabeth], and many others I remember not; but all most excellently dressed in rich petticoats and gowns, and dyamonds, and pearls.
In 1673 [his son] James Hamilton [aged 43] died.
John Evelyn's Diary. 12th November 1675. There was in my Lady Ambassadress's company my Lady Hamilton [aged 70], a sprightly young lady, much in the good graces of the family, wife of that valiant and worthy gentleman, George Hamilton [aged 68], not long after slain in the wars. She had been a maid of honor to the Duchess, and now turned Papist.
In 1676 [his daughter] Lucia Hamilton died.
On 1st June 1676 [his son] George Hamilton Comte d'Hamilton was killed in action while commanding Luxembourg's rear-guard at the Col de Saverne.
In 1679 George Hamilton 1st Baronet of Donalong [aged 72] died.
In August 1680 [his former wife] Mary Butler [aged 75] died.
All About History Books on Amazon
Annals of Kings Richard II and Henry IV 1393-1406
The Annals of Kings Richard II and Henry IV offers a vivid contemporary account of one of the most turbulent periods in late medieval England. Covering the reigns of Richard II and Henry IV, the chronicle records royal ceremonies, political conflict, rebellion, war, taxation, religious controversy, executions, popular unrest and remarkable portents. Its pages include a detailed description of Richard II’s coronation, the fall and deposition of the king, Henry IV’s seizure of the throne, the Percy rebellion, the execution of Archbishop Richard Scrope, the campaigns of Owain Glyndŵr, and England’s relations with Scotland, France, Portugal and Scandinavia. Alongside affairs of state, the annalist preserves reports of miracles, eclipses, prophecies, supernatural events and the experiences of ordinary townspeople, clergy, soldiers and travellers. Written from a monastic perspective, the work combines political observation with moral judgement, presenting victories and disasters as evidence of divine favour or punishment. At once a historical record and a reflection of medieval belief, the Annals provides an invaluable window into the challenges, ceremonies and conflicts of England at the turn of the fifteenth century.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
Letters of Horace Walpole. 5th August 1752. Now begins our chapter of woes. The inn was full of farmers and tobacco; and the next morning, when we were bound for Penshurst, Kent [Map], the only man in the town who had two horses would not let us have them, because the roads, as he said, were so bad. We were forced to send to the wells for others, which did not arrive till half the day was spent-we all the while up to the head and ears in a market of sheep and oxen. A mile from the town we climbed up a hill to see Summer Hill335, the residence of Grammont's Princess of Babylon.336 There is now scarce a road to it: the Paladins of those times were too valorous to fear breaking their necks; and I much apprehend that la Monsery and the fair Mademoiselle Hamilton337, must have mounted their palfreys and rode behind their gentlemen-ushers upon pillions to the Wells. The house is little better than a farm, but has been an excellent one, and is entire, though out of repair. I have drawn the front of it to show you, which you are to draw over again to show me. It stands high, commands a vast landscape beautifully wooded, and has quantities of large old trees to shelter itself, some of which might be well spared to open views.
From Summer Hill we went to Lamberhurst to dine; near which, that is, at the distance of three miles, up and down impracticable hills, in a most retired vale, such as Pope describes in the last Dunciad, "Where slumber abbots, purple as their vines,"
Note 335. "May 29, 1652. We went to see the house of my Lord Clanrickard, at Summer Hill, near Tunbridge; now given to that villain Bradshaw, who condemned the King. 'Tis situated on an eminent hill, with a park, but has nothing else extraordinary." Evelyn, vol. ii. p. 58.-E.
Note 336. Lady Margaret Macarthy, daughter and heiress of the Marquis of Clanricarde, wife of Charles, Lord Muskerry.-E.
Note 337. Elizabeth, eldest daughter of Sir George Hamilton, fourth son of the first Earl of Abercorn, and niece of to the first Duke of Ormond, celebrated in the "Memoires de Grammont" (written by her brother, Count Anthony Hamilton,) for her beauty and accomplishments. She married Philip, Count de Grammont, by whom she had two daughters; the eldest married Henry Howard, created Earl of Stafford, and the youngest took the veil.-E.
[his daughter] Margaret Hamilton was born to George Hamilton 1st Baronet of Donalong and Mary Butler.
[his father] James Hamilton 1st Earl Abercorn and [his mother] Marion Boyd Countess Abercorn were married. They were fourth cousin twice removed.
[his son] John Hamilton was born to George Hamilton 1st Baronet of Donalong and Mary Butler.
[his son] Richard Hamilton was born to George Hamilton 1st Baronet of Donalong and Mary Butler.
[his son] Thomas Hamilton was born to George Hamilton 1st Baronet of Donalong and Mary Butler.
[his son] George Hamilton Comte d'Hamilton was born to George Hamilton 1st Baronet of Donalong and Mary Butler. He married 1665 Frances Jennings and had issue.
[his daughter] Lucia Hamilton was born to George Hamilton 1st Baronet of Donalong and Mary Butler.
Kings Wessex: Great x 17 Grand Son of King Edmund "Ironside" I of England
Kings Gwynedd: Great x 13 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 14 Grand Son of Maredudd ap Bleddyn King Powys
Kings Godwinson: Great x 18 Grand Son of King Harold II of England
Kings England: Great x 8 Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Kings Scotland: Great x 3 Grand Son of King James IV of Scotland
Kings France: Great x 9 Grand Son of King John "The Good" II of France
Kings Duke Aquitaine: Great x 22 Grand Son of Ranulf I Duke Aquitaine
Kings Spain: Great x 14 Grand Son of Alfonso VII King Castile VII King Leon
Great x 4 Grandfather: James Hamilton
Great x 3 Grandfather: James Hamilton 1st Lord Hamilton
Great x 2 Grandfather: James Hamilton 1st Earl Arran Grandson of King James II of Scotland
Great x 4 Grandfather: King James II of Scotland
son of King James I of Scotland
Great x 3 Grandmother: Mary Stewart Countess Arran
daughter of King James II of Scotland
Great x 4 Grandmother: Mary of Guelders Queen Consort Scotland 3 x Great Granddaughter of King John "The Good" II of France
Great x 1 Grandfather: James Hamilton 2nd Earl Arran Great Grandson of King James II of Scotland
Great x 4 Grandfather: Alexander Home
Great x 3 Grandfather: Alexander Home 2nd Lord Home
Great x 2 Grandmother: Elizabeth Home Countess Arran
Grandfather: Claud Hamilton 1st Lord Paisley Great Grandson of King James IV of Scotland
Great x 4 Grandfather: James Douglas 1st Earl Morton
Great Grandson of King Robert III of Scotland
Great x 3 Grandfather: John Douglas 2nd Earl Morton
Grandson of King James I of Scotland
Great x 4 Grandmother: Joan Stewart Countess Morton
daughter of King James I of Scotland
Great x 2 Grandfather: James Douglas 3rd Earl Morton
Great Grandson of King James I of Scotland
Great x 4 Grandfather: Patrick Crichton of Cranstoun Riddell
Great x 3 Grandmother: Janet Crichton Countess Morton
Great x 1 Grandmother: Margaret Douglas Duchess Châtellerault
Granddaughter of King James IV of Scotland
Great x 4 Grandfather: King James III of Scotland
son of King James II of Scotland
Great x 3 Grandfather: King James IV of Scotland
son of King James III of Scotland
Great x 4 Grandmother: Margaret of Denmark Queen Consort Scotland
Great x 2 Grandmother: Catherine Stewart Countess Morton
daughter of King James IV of Scotland
Great x 3 Grandmother: Margaret Boyd
Father: James Hamilton 1st Earl Abercorn 2 x Great Grandson of King James IV of Scotland
Great x 4 Grandfather: George Seton 4th Lord Seton 3 x Great Grandson of King Robert II of Scotland
Great x 3 Grandfather: George Seton 5th Lord Seton 4 x Great Grandson of King Robert II of Scotland
Great x 4 Grandmother: Margaret Campbell Lady Seton 3 x Great Granddaughter of King Robert II of Scotland
Great x 2 Grandfather: George Seton 6th Lord Seton 2 x Great Grandson of King James I of Scotland
Great x 4 Grandfather: Patrick Hepburn 1st Earl Bothwell
Great x 3 Grandmother: Joanna Hepburn Lady Seton Great Granddaughter of King James I of Scotland
Great x 4 Grandmother: Janet Douglas Countess Bothwell
Granddaughter of King James I of Scotland
Great x 1 Grandfather: George Seton 7th Lord Seton 3 x Great Grandson of King James I of Scotland
Great x 4 Grandfather: John Hay 2nd Lord Hay of Yester
2 x Great Grandson of King Robert III of Scotland
Great x 3 Grandfather: John Hay 3rd Lord Hay
3 x Great Grandson of King Robert III of Scotland
Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Crichton 4 x Great Granddaughter of King Robert II of Scotland
Great x 2 Grandmother: Elizabeth Hay Lady Seton
4 x Great Granddaughter of King Robert III of Scotland
Great x 4 Grandfather: George Douglas
3 x Great Grandson of King Robert III of Scotland
Great x 3 Grandmother: Elizabeth Douglas Lady Hay
4 x Great Granddaughter of King Robert III of Scotland
Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Drummond m Douglas
Grandmother: Margaret Seton Lady Paisley 4 x Great Granddaughter of King James I of Scotland
Great x 3 Grandfather: William Hamilton of Sandquhar
Great x 2 Grandfather: William Hamilton 4 x Great Grandson of King Robert III of Scotland
Great x 4 Grandfather: David Kennedy 1st Earl Cassilis 2 x Great Grandson of King Robert III of Scotland
Great x 3 Grandmother: Catherine Kennedy 3 x Great Granddaughter of King Robert III of Scotland
Great x 1 Grandmother: Isobel Hamilton Lady Seton 5 x Great Granddaughter of King Robert III of Scotland
George Hamilton 1st Baronet of Donalong 3 x Great Grandson of King James IV of Scotland
Great x 4 Grandfather: Robert Boyd 1st Lord Boyd
Great x 3 Grandfather: Alexander Boyd 3rd Lord Boyd
Great x 2 Grandfather: Robert Boyd 4th Lord Boyd
Great x 1 Grandfather: Robert Boyd 5th Lord Boyd
Great x 3 Grandfather: John Somerville 1st of Cambusnethan
Great x 2 Grandmother: Helen Somerville
Grandfather: Thomas Boyd 6th Lord Boyd
Mother: Marion Boyd Countess Abercorn