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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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Henry Oldenburg 1619-1677

Around 1619 Henry Oldenburg was born.

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 25th June 1667. So to the office, and there Sir W. Pen [aged 46] and I did some business, and then home to dinner, where my wife pleases me mightily with what she can do upon the flageolet, and then I to the office again, and busy all the afternoon, and it is worth noting that the King [aged 37] and Council, in their order of the 23rd instant, for unloading three merchant-ships taken up for the King's service for men-of-war, do call the late coming of the Dutch "an invasion". I was told, yesterday, that Mr. Oldenburg [aged 48], our Secretary at Gresham College, is put into the Tower [Map], for writing newes to a virtuoso in France, with whom he constantly corresponds in philosophical matters; which makes it very unsafe at this time to write, or almost do any thing. Several captains come to the office yesterday and to-day, complaining that their men come and go when they will, and will not be commanded, though they are paid every night, or may be. Nay, this afternoon comes Harry Russell from Gravesend, Kent [Map], telling us that the money carried down yesterday for the Chest at Chatham had like to have been seized upon yesterday, in the barge there, by seamen, who did beat our watermen: and what men should these be but the boat's crew of Sir Fretcheville Hollis [aged 25], who used to brag so much of the goodness and order of his men, and his command over them.

John Evelyn's Diary. 8th August 1667. Visited Mr. Oldenburg [aged 48], a close prisoner in the Tower [Map], being suspected of writing intelligence. I had an order from Lord Arlington [aged 49], Secretary of State, which caused me to be admitted. This gentleman was secretary to our Society, and I am confident will prove an innocent person.

Before 1676 Henry Oldenburg [aged 56] was appointed Secretary of the Royal Society.

John Evelyn's Diary. 28th February 1676. [Note. Date adjusted to 28 Feb since original entry stated 29 Feb when it isn't a leap year.] I dined with Mr. Povey [aged 62], one of the Masters of Requests, a nice contriver of all elegancies, and exceedingly formal. Supped with Sir J. Williamson, where were of our Society Mr. Robert Boyle [aged 49], Sir Christopher Wren [aged 52], Sir William Petty [aged 52], Dr. Holden, subdean of his Majesty's [aged 45] Chapel, Sir James Shaen, Dr. Whistler, and our Secretary, Mr. Oldenburg [aged 57].

On 5th September 1677 Henry Oldenburg [aged 58] died at his home in Pall Mall [Map]. He was buried at the Church of St Mary the Virgin, Bexley on 7th September 1677.