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: Bernicia
Ceolwulf was born to [his father] Cutha Northumbria.
In 729 Osric King Northumbria died. His fourth cousin twice removed Ceolwulf succeeded King Northumbria.
Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. 729. This year appeared the comet-star, and St. Egbert (age 90) died in Iona. This year also died the etheling Oswald; and Osric was slain, who was eleven winters king of Northumberland; to which kingdom Ceolwulf succeeded, and held it eight years. The said Ceolwulf was the son of Cutha, [his father] Cutha of Cuthwin, [his grandfather] Cuthwin of Leodwald, Leodwald of Egwald, Egwald of Ealdhelm, Ealdhelm of Occa, Occa of Ida, Ida of Eoppa. Archbishop Bertwald died this year on the ides of January. He was bishop thirty-seven winters, and six months, and fourteen days. The same year Tatwine (age 59), who was before a priest at Bredon in Mercia, was consecrated archbishop by Daniel Bishop of Winchester, Ingwald Bishop of London, Aldwin Bishop of Lichfield, and Aldulf Bishop of Rochester, on the tenth day of June. He enjoyed the archbishopric about three years.
737. Church of St Lawrence, Warkworth [Map] is next to the River Coquet 2.5km from where the river joins the sea at Amber. A wooden church is mentioned in 737AD when Ceolwulf gave Wercewode aka Warkworth, including the church, to the Abbot of Lindisfarne Abbey [Map].
Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. 737. This year Bishop Forthere and Queen Frithogitha went to Rome; and King Ceolwulf received the clerical tonsure, giving his kingdom to Edbert, his [his uncle] uncle's son: who reigned one and twenty winters. Bishop Ethelwold and Acca (age 77) died this year, and Cynewulf was consecrated bishop. The same year also Ethelbald ravaged the land of the Northumbrians.
In 737 Ceolwulf Abdicated. His first cousin Eadberht succeeded King Northumbria.
In 760 Ceolwulf died.
Great x 4 Grandfather: Occa Northumbria
Great x 3 Grandfather: Ealdhelm Northumbria
Great x 2 Grandfather: Egwald Northumbria
Great x 1 Grandfather: Leodwald Northumbria
GrandFather: Cuthwin Northumbria
Father: Cutha Northumbria