Chester [Map]

 Chester Castle Cathedral Church of John the Baptist, Chester

Chester is in Cheshire.

894 Battle of Farnham

1389 Scrope vs Grosvenor Case

1459 Battle of Blore Heath

Around 70AD. Lindum Colonia aka Lincoln, Lincolnshire [Map] was founded as a Roman Legionary Fortress during the reign of the Emperor Nero. Evidence from Roman tombstones suggests that Lincoln was first garrisoned by the Ninth Legion Hispana which was subseuqntly replaced by the Second Legion Adiutrix, which then went on to Deva [Map] in 77-78 AD. The primary evidence that modern Lincoln was referred to as Lindum comes from Ptolemy's Geography, which was compiled in about 150 AD, where Lindum is referred to as a polis or town within the tribal area of the Corieltauvi.

Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. 607. This year Ceolwulf fought with the South-Saxons. And Ethelfrith (age 35) led his army to Chester [Map]; where he slew an innumerable host of the Welsh; and so was fulfilled the prophecy of Augustine, wherein he saith "If the Welsh will not have peace with us, they shall perish at the hands of the Saxons." There were also slain two hundred priests18, who came thither to pray for the army of the Welsh. Their leader was called Brocmail, who with some fifty men escaped thence.

Note 18. It was originally, perhaps, in the MSS. ICC. the abbreviation for 1,200; which is the number of the slain in Bede. The total number of the monks of Bangor is said to have been 2,100; most of whom appear to have been employed in prayer on this occasion, and only fifty escape by flight. Vide Bede, "Hist. Eccles." ii. 2, and the tribe of Latin historians who copy him.

Battle of Farnham

Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. 894. This year, that was about twelve months after they had wrought a work in the eastern district, the Northumbrians and East-Angles had given oaths to King Alfred (age 45), and the East-Angles six hostages; nevertheless, contrary to the truce, as oft as the other plunderers went out with all their army, then went they also, either with them, or in a separate division. Upon this King Alfred gathered his army, and advanced, so that he encamped between the two armies at the highest point he could find defended by wood and by water, that he might reach either, if they would seek any field. Then went they forth in quest of the wealds, in troops and companies, wheresoever the country was defenceless. But they were also sought after most days by other companies, either by day or by night, both from the army and also from the towns. The king had divided his army into two parts; so that they were always half at home, half out; besides the men that should maintain the towns. The army came not all out of their stations more than twice; once, when they first came to land, ere the forces were collected, and again, when they wished to depart from their stations. They had now seized much booty, and would ferry it northward over Thames into Essex, to meet their ships. But the army rode before them, fought with them at Farnham, routed their forces, and there arrested the booty. And they flew over Thames without any ford, then up by the Colne on an island. Then the king's forces beset them without as long as they had food; but they had their time set, and their meat noted. And the king was advancing thitherwards on his march with the division that accompanied him. But while he was advancing thitherwards, the other force was returning homewards. The Danes, however, still remained behind; for their king was wounded in the fight, so that they could not carry him. Then collected together those that dwell in Northumbria and East-Anglia about a hundred ships, and went south about; and with some forty more went north about, and besieged a fort in Devonshire by the north sea; and those who went south about beset Exeter [Map]. When the king heard that, then went he west towards Exeter with all his force, except a very considerable part of the eastern army, who advanced till they came to London; and there being joined by the citizens and the reinforcements that came from the west, they went east to Barnfleet. Hasten was there with his gang, who before were stationed at Milton, and also the main army had come thither, that sat before in the mouth of the Limne at Appledore. Hasten had formerly constructed that work at Barnfleet, and was then gone out on plunder, the main army being at home. Then came the king's troops, and routed the enemy, broke down the work, took all that was therein money, women, and children and brought all to London. And all the ships they either broke to pieces, or burned, or brought to London or to Rochester [Map]. And Hasten's wife and her two sons they brought to the king, who returned them to him, because one of them was his godson, and the other Alderman Ethered's. They had adopted them ere Hasten came to Bamfleet; when he had given them hostages and oaths, and the king had also given him many presents; as he did also then, when he returned the child and the wife. And as soon as they came to Bamfleet, and the work was built, then plundered he in the same quarter of his kingdom that Ethered his compeer should have held; and at another time he was plundering in the same district when his work was destroyed. The king then went westward with the army toward Exeter, as I before said, and the army had beset the city; but whilst he was gone they went to their ships. Whilst he was thus busied there with the army, in the west, the marauding parties were both gathered together at Shobury in Essex, and there built a fortress. Then they both went together up by the Thames, and a great concourse joined them, both from the East-Angles and from the Northumbrians. They then advanced upward by the Thames, till they arrived near the Severn. Then they proceeded upward by the Severn. Meanwhile assembled Alderman Ethered, Alderman Ethelm, Alderman Ethelnoth, and the king's thanes, who were employed at home at the works, from every town east of the Parret, as well as west of Selwood, and from the parts east and also north of the Thames and west of the Severn, and also some part of North-Wales. When they were all collected together, they overtook the rear of the enemy at Buttington on the banks of the Severn, and there beset them without on each side in a fortress. When they had sat there many weeks on both sides of the water, and the king meanwhile was in Devonshire westward with the naval force, then were the enemy weighed down with famine. They had devoured the greater part of their horses; and the rest had perished with hunger. Then went they out to the men that sat on the eastern side of the river, and fought with them; but the Christians had the victory. And there Ordhelm, the king's thane, was slain; and also many other king's thanes; and of the Danes there were many slain, and that part of them that came away escaped only by flight. As soon as they came into Essex to their fortress, and to their ships, then gathered the remnant again in East-Anglia and from the Northumbrians a great force before winter, and having committed their wives and their ships and their booty to the East-Angles, they marched on the stretch by day and night, till they arrived at a western city in Wirheal that is called Chester [Map]. There the army could not overtake them ere they arrived within the work: they beset the work though, without, some two days, took all the cattle that was thereabout, slew the men whom they could overtake without the work, and all the corn they either burned or consumed with their horses every evening. That was about a twelvemonth since they first came hither over sea.

Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. 907. This year died Alfred, who was governor of Bath. The same year was concluded the peace at Hitchingford, as King Edward (age 33) decreed, both with the Danes of East-Anglia, and those of Northumberland; and Chester [Map] was rebuilt.

In 973 Hywel ap Ieuaf King Gwynedd travelled to with his uncle Iago ap Idwal Aberffraw (age 31) to meet with King Edgar "Peaceful" I of England (age 30) at Chester [Map].

Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. 1000. This year the king (age 34) went into Cumberland, and nearly laid waste the whole of it with his army, whilst his navy sailed about Chester [Map] with the design of co-operating with his land-forces; but, finding it impracticable, they ravaged Anglesey. The hostile fleet was this summer turned towards the kingdom of Richard.

Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. 1016. This year came King Knute (age 21) with a marine force of one hundred and sixty ships, and Earldorman Eadric "Streona aka Acquisitive" Mercia with him, over the Thames into Mercia at Cricklade, Wiltshire [Map]; whence they proceeded to Warwickshire, during the middle of the winter, and plundered therein, and burned, and slew all they met. Then began Edmund the etheling (age 26) to gather an army, which, when it was collected, could avail him nothing, unless the king (age 50) were there and they had the assistance of the citizens of London. The expedition therefore was frustrated, and each man betook himself home. After this, an army was again ordered, under full penalties, that every person, however distant, should go forth; and they sent to the king (age 50) in London, and besought him to come to meet the army with the aid that he could collect. When they were all assembled, it succeeded nothing better than it often did before; and, when it was told the king, that those persons would betray him who ought to assist him, then forsook he the army, and returned again to London. Then rode Edmund the etheling (age 26) to Earl Utred in Northumbria; and every man supposed that they would collect an army King Knute (age 21); but they went into Stafforddhire, and to Shrewsbury, Shropshire [Map], and to Chester [Map]; and they plundered on their parts, and Knute (age 21) on his. He went out through Buckinghamshire to Bedfordshire; thence to Huntingdonshire, and so into Northamptonshire along the fens to Stamford [Map]. Thence into Lincolnshire. Thence to Nottinghamshire; and so into Northumbria toward York [Map]. When Utred understood this, he ceased from plundering, and hastened northward, and submitted for need, and all the Northumbrians with him; but, though he gave hostages, he was nevertheless slain by the advice of Earldorman Eadric "Streona aka Acquisitive" Mercia, and Thurkytel, the son of Nafan, with him. After this, King Knute (age 21) appointed Eric earl over Northumbria, as Utred was; and then went southward another way, all by west, till the whole army came, before Easter, to the ships. Meantime Edmund Etheling (age 26) went to London to his father (age 50): and after Easter went King Knute (age 21) with all his ships toward London; but it happened that King Ethelred (age 50) died ere the ships came. He ended his days on St. George's day; having held his kingdom in much tribulation and difficulty as long as his life continued.

John of Worcester. 1055. On receiving intelligence of this calamity, the king immediately commanded an army to be levied from every part of England, and on its being assembled at Gloucester, gave the command of it to the brave earl Harold (age 33), who, zealously obeying the king's orders, was unwearied in his pursuit of Griffyth and Algar, and boldly crossing the Welsh border, encamped beyond Straddell [Snowdon]; but they knowing him to be an intrepid and daring warrior, did not venture to wait his attack, but retreated into South Wales. On learning this, he left there the greatest part of his army, with orders to make a stout resistance to the enemy if circumstances should require it; and returning with the remainder of his host to Hereford, he surrounded it with a wide and deep trench, and fortified it with gates and bars. Meanwhile, after an interchange of messages, Griffyth, Algar, and Harold (age 33), with their attendants, met at a place called Biligesteagea, and peace being proposed and accepted, they contracted a firm alliance with each other. After these events, earl Algar's fleet [of pirates] sailed to Chester [Map], and waited there for the hire he had engaged to pay them; but he himself went to court and restored by the king to his earldom. At that time died Tremerin, a Welsh bishop,[Bishop of St Davids] who had been a monk. He was, for a long time, coadjutor to Athelstan, bishop of Hereford, after Athelstan became incapable of performing his episcopal functions, having been blind for thirteen years. Heriman, bishop of Wiltshire, being offended at the king's refusing to allow him to remove the seat of his bishopric from the vill called Ramsbury to the abbey of Malmesbury, resigned his bishopric and, going beyond sea, took the monastic habit at St. Bertin, [an abbey near St Omer] in which monastery he abode for three years.

The Itinerary of Archbishop Baldwin through Wales: Book 2 Chapter 11. Having crossed the river Dee below Chester, (which the Welsh call Doverdwy), on the third day before Easter, or the day of absolution (holy Thursday), we reached Chester [Map]. As the river Wye towards the south separates Wales from England, so the Dee near Chester forms the northern boundary. The inhabitants of these parts assert, that the waters of this river change their fords every month, and, as it inclines more towards England or Wales, they can, with certainty, prognosticate which nation will be successful or unfortunate during the year. This river derives its origin from the lake Penmelesmere,171 and, although it abounds with salmon, yet none are found in the lake. It is also remarkable, that this river is never swollen by rains, but often rises by the violence of the winds.

Note 171. The lake of Penmelesmere, or Pymplwy meer, or the meer of the five parishes adjoining the lake, is, in modern days, better known by the name of Bala Pool. The assertion made by Giraldus, of salmon never being found in the lake of Bala, is not founded on truth.

On 22 Jun 1283 Dafydd ap Gruffudd Aberffraw Prince of Wales (age 44) and Owain ap Dafydd Aberffraw (age 8) were captured at Nanhysglain Bangor [Map]. Dafydd (age 44), seriously wounded in the struggle, was brought to King Edward's (age 44) camp at Rhuddlan [Map] that same night. Dafydd (age 44) was taken from here to Chester [Map] and then on to Shrewsbury, Shropshire [Map]. Dafydd (age 44) and Dafydd's wife Elizabeth de Ferrers (age 43), their daughter Gwladys, infant niece Gwenllian ferch Llywelyn (age 1), and Dafydd's six illegitimate daughters were also taken prisoner at the same time.

In 1412 Rhys ap Tudor was executed at Chester [Map].

Around 1419 John Arderne was born to Ralph Arderne (age 36) at Chester [Map].

Around 1456 Richard Dutton was born to Richard Dutton at Chester [Map].

Around 1456 William Dutton was born to Richard Dutton at Chester [Map].

Around 1456 Ralph Dutton was born to Richard Dutton at Chester [Map].

In 1559 George Tuchet 9th Baron Audley, 6th Baron Tuchet and Joan Platt Baroness Audley Heighley were married at Chester [Map]. She by marriage Baroness Audley of Heighley in Staffordshire. He a great x 5 grandson of King Edward III of England.

In 1641 Bishop William Moreton was born to Edward Moreton (age 42) at Chester [Map].

In Feb 1645 John Owen (age 45) was appointed Sergeant Major General of foot under the Governor of Chester, John Byron 1st Baron Byron (age 46).

Gildas. 10. God, therefore, who wishes all men to be saved, and who calls sinners no less than those who think themselves righteous, magnified his mercy towards us, and, as we know, during the above-named persecution, that Britain might not totally be enveloped in the dark shades of night, he, of his own free gift, kindled up among us bright luminaries of holy martyrs, whose places of burial and of martyrdom, had they not for our manifold crimes been interfered with and destroyed by the barbarians, would have still kindled in the minds of the beholders no small fire of divine charity. Such were St. Alban of Verulam, Aaron and Julius, citizens of Carlisle [Note. Carlisle a mistake. Proably Caerleon [Map], possibly Chester [Map]], and the rest, of both sexes, who in different places stood their ground in the Christian contest.

Europe, British Isles, England, Welsh March, Cheshire, Bowdon Chester

On 20 Oct 1556 George Booth 1st Baronet was born to William Booth at Bowdon Chester.

On 28 Nov 1579 William Booth died at Bowdon Chester.

In 1593 Mary Booth was born to George Booth 1st Baronet (age 36) and Katherine Anderson Lady Dunham Massey (age 25) at Bowdon Chester.

In 1595 William Booth was born to George Booth 1st Baronet (age 38) and Katherine Anderson Lady Dunham Massey (age 27) at Bowdon Chester.

On 26 Apr 1636 William Booth (age 41) died at Bowdon Chester. He was buried at Booth Chapel.

On 13 Feb 1639 Katherine Anderson Lady Dunham Massey (age 71) died at Bowdon Chester.

On 24 Oct 1652 George Booth 1st Baronet (age 96) died at Bowdon Chester. His grandson George Booth 1st Baron Delamer (age 29) succeeded 2nd Baronet Booth of Dunham Massey.

Bowdon Church, Chester

Booth Chapel

On 05 Apr 1629 or 04 May 1629 Vere Egerton (age 33) died. She was buried at Booth Chapel.

On 26 Apr 1636 William Booth (age 41) died at Bowdon Chester. He was buried at Booth Chapel.

Chester Castle

In 1081 King Gruffudd ap Cynan of Gwynedd (age 26) was imprisoned by Hugh "Wolf Fat" Avranches 1st Earl Chester (age 34) at Chester Castle [Map].

In 1094 King Gruffudd ap Cynan of Gwynedd (age 39) escaped at Chester Castle [Map].

In 1442 Eleanor Cobham Duchess of Gloucester (age 42) was imprisoned at Chester Castle [Map].

On 23 Sep 1459 John Dudley 1st Baron Dudley (age 58) attempted to ambush John Neville 1st Marquess Montagu (age 28) whilst he was travelling to Ludlow [Map] to join up with the main Yorkist army; the Battle of Blore Heath. Forewarned by scouts he arranged his troops into battle order. The Yorkist army included John Conyers Sheriff of Yorkshire (age 48), Thomas Harrington (age 59), James Harrington (age 29), Richard Neville 5th Earl Salisbury (age 59), William Stanley (age 24), Roger Kynaston of Myddle and Hordley (age 26), John Savile, Walter Strickland (age 48) and John Wenlock 1st Baron Wenlock (age 59).

The Lancastrian army included brothers John Dutton, Thomas Dutton (age 38) and Peter Dutton who were killed.

James Tuchet 5th Baron Audley, 2nd Baron Tuchet (age 61) was killed by Roger Kynaston of Myddle and Hordley (age 26). His son John Tuchet 6th Baron Audley, 3rd Baron Tuchet (age 33) succeeded 6th Baron Audley of Heighley in Staffordshire, 3rd Baron Tuchet. Anne Echingham Baroness Audley Heighley (age 39) by marriage Baroness Audley of Heighley in Staffordshire, Baroness Audley of Heighley in Staffordshire.

John Dudley 1st Baron Dudley (age 58) and Edmund Dudley (age 34) were captured. Lionel Welles 6th Baron Welles (age 53) fought.

Richard Molyneux of Sefton was killed.

John Egerton (age 55) was killed.

After the battle Margaret of Anjou Queen Consort England (age 29) took refuge at Eccleshall Castle, Staffordshire [Map].

After the battle Thomas Harrington (age 59), John Neville 1st Marquess Montagu (age 28) and Thomas Neville (age 29) were captured at Acton Bridge Tarporley [Map] and imprisoned at Chester Castle [Map] having been detached from the main Yorkist force.

William Troutbeck (age 23) was killed.

In Jul 1460 Thomas Neville (age 30) was released at Chester Castle [Map].

In Jul 1460 John Neville 1st Marquess Montagu (age 29) was released at Chester Castle [Map].

In Jul 1460 James Harrington (age 30) was released at Chester Castle [Map].

Europe, British Isles, England, Welsh March, Cheshire, Chester, Church of John the Baptist [Map]

In Sep 1389 the Scrope vs Grosvenor Case was brought to the Court of Chivalry. Up to that time two families, Scrope and Grosvenor, had been using the armorial Scrope Arms: Azure, a bend or.

Several hundred witnesses were called including John of Gaunt 1st Duke Lancaster (age 49), Geoffrey Chaucer (age 46) and John Savile of Shelley and Golcar (age 64).

On 03 Sep 1386 Owain ap Gruffudd "Glyndŵr" Mathrafal Prince Powys (age 27) gave evidence at the Church of John the Baptist, Chester [Map].

The Court decided in favour of Scrope.

Neither party was happy with the decision so King Richard II (age 22) was called upon to give his personal verdict.

On 27 May 1390 he confirmed that Grosvenor could not bear the undifferenced arms.

As a consequence of the case the Grosvenor has for many years used the name Bendor for horses and nicknames.

Europe, British Isles, England, Welsh March, Cheshire, Chester, Jackson's

Roger Whitley's Diary. 01 Mar 1690. Satorday, Traverse & Hardwar came to Peele; swore the Assessors; Mainwaring & Lee went with me in coach to Chester; the rest on horseback; we lighted at Wrights; went to the Penthouse; dined at Jackson's with Crew, G.Mainwaring (age 47) Streete, Gleg, my sonne (age 39), Morgan went to visit the Governor in the Castle; severall others came in whilest we were with him; went to the Ship Taverne; there was Crew, 2 Mainwarings Lee, his sonne (age 39), Gleg, Deane, Farington; Hunt, Mercer, Streete, &c. I left them, went to the Sunne with Farington, Mercer, &c. there came to us Streete, 2 Mainwarings, Murray, my sonne (age 39), Richard Wright, &c. we parted before 10.

Roger Whitley's Diary. 28 Mar 1690. Friday, Mr Hocknell came about 11; Mr Thomas soone after; both dined with us; about one I went to Chester; light at the Talbot; saw Alderman Wright, Bonnell & another with him; went to Angells, Mrs Mainwarings, Mr Booths, Jackson's & then to Charles Griffiths; there came to me Farington, Comberbach, Parry, Randle Batho, Johnson, Deane, Traves, Murray, Hall, Croughton, Streete, Lloyd, &c. I brought a bottle of sack, & sherry from home, had 2 bottles of claret from Jacksons; we parted past 6; came home about 8.

Roger Whitley's Diary. 19 Apr 1690. Satorday, I went to Chester, alighted at Wrights; saw him & Lee of Darnehall; Robinson came to me about some money he pretends due to him & another about money owing Mr Lewes Williams; Lee & I went to Angells, then to the Judges; dined with them at Scranmore's; with Crew, Sir Jos: Allen, Hopkins, Streete, &c. went with Streete (past 3) to Mrs Mainwarings; then to Jacksons; there was Kinaston, Johnson, Pemberton, Minshall; Colonel Langston came late; I left them neare 7; was awhile (about 5) with Sir William Aston & Mr Booth in the dining roome; where they were about the militia businesse; Morgan Whitley went home with me in my coach; Alban Gray spoke with me at Jackson's; but stayd not.

Roger Whitley's Diary. 19 Jul 1690. Satorday, after dinner daughter Mainwaring went to Utkinton & Peover & I & my sonne (age 39) to Chester, alighted at Wrights, went to the Angells; thence I went to Booth's; there was Fernaugh & 2 others, they stayd not; I discoursed him about sister Whitley's suites; proposed a reference; left him presently; discoursed awhile with Anderson in the streete; went to the Sunne, there met Viccars, Jones, Parry, Murray, & Deane; Murray's brother came to us & the barber to trimme me; I left them past 6; went to Jackson's; there came to me Crosse, Gray, Farington, Bradshaw; then the Governor & Bell; they drank a glasse of wine & left us presently; after, I & sonne (age 39) took coach (about 8) went home.

Roger Whitley's Diary. 26 Jul 1690. Satorday, (Lee came pay houses?; went to the muster at Tarvyn interl).; I went to Chester, dined at G.Mainwaring's (age 47) with him, his wife & Knox, &c. went to Hunts; there was Tailor & Huson; I went to the almeshouses & to Jacksons; there G.Mainwaring (age 47) & I dranke 2 bottles of ale at Crosse's; there was Farington, Wright, G.Mainwaring (age 47), Fernehaugh, &c. at Jackson's; I went thence past 7; found Lord Warrington, Lee & Mainwaring at home at supper.

Roger Whitley's Diary. 27 Sep 1690. Satorday, Mainwaring went early towards London; Huson retorned from Alrey; Lee & Morgan went to Chester; I & my sonne (age 39) after them past 10; we alighted at the Talbot; met Streete & others at the doore; he went with me to Danold the barber, who trimmed me; G.Mainwaring (age 47) came to us; I went & dined with him; my sonne (age 39) & Streete & his wife, sister & daughter dined with us; neare 3 I went to Angells, did not stay, went with G.Mainwaring (age 47) & Streete to meete the Judges; which we did at the Bridge; went after them to the Castle; there was the Sheriffe, Governor, Cotton, Crew, &c. I made the Governor a visit, there was Lord Chomly, Egerton, Warburton, Bell, &c. we drank a glasse of wine (standing) I & the 2 Aldermen left them; they went with me to Jackson's; there was Minshall, Baroby, Nat. Booth, Hannibal Baskerville, my sonne (age 39), Morgan,&c. Ned Morgan came thither as we were parting, my sonne (age 39) & I went before 6, came home past 7.

Roger Whitley's Diary. 01 Oct 1690. Wednesday, I, sonne (age 39), daughters & Bidolph went to Chester; I & sonne (age 39) dined with the Judges, (severall lawyers & Newport, &c.interl) then I went (past 2) with the tenant of Aston, Bonnell, Grantham, &c. to Bretland, to speake about the tenant (Yong's) businesse; then I met Taylor at Huson's house; walked thence to Jackson's; met Hurst, Deane, Anderton, G.Mainwaring (age 47) & severall others in the Rowes; at Jackson's were L: Lloyd, Wright, Newport, G.Mainwaring (age 47), Vicars, Bellot, Lee of Booth, Nat. Lee, Jones, &c. I left them about 6, went home with daughter & Bidolph the keeper came that night with a doe from Frodesly; my 2 sisters came that night to Peele.

Roger Whitley's Diary. 14 Oct 1690. Tuesday, Huson came from the Audit & Tomkinson went to the Audit at Middlewich; my sonne (age 39) & I went to Chester (met Morgan at Tarvyn going to Middlewich) I, sonne (age 39), G.Mainwaring (age 47) Baroby & Crosse dined at Jackson's; we went to the almeshouses; drank some ale at the Widdows with Mr Wright, Streete & some others; went then to Andersons, then to the new Mayor (there were the 2 Leavelookers) we dranck in both places; I went then to G.Mainwaring (age 47) saw his wife & daughter & Mall: Ravenscroft in the Row; went thence (with G.Mainwaring (age 47)) to Jacksons; there was my sonne (age 39), Streete, Wright, Baroby, 2 Kinastons, Mercer, Mainwaring of Wrexam, &c. we parted past 5; Taylor was with me at Jacksons before dinner; stayd not; I called on Bennet in the Forest streete; there was Ely with him; they came to the coach, had a tankerd, went home.