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.
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Grantham Journal is in Newspapers.
25th September 1915. THREEKINGHAM. NEWS has been received that Lieut. Noel H. Cragg (deceased), T.N.., youngest son of Captain and Mrs. W. A. Cragg, of Threekingham House, has killed in action. No particulars are at present, to hand, but it is known that deceased, who was an officer on H.M.S. Hind, was engaged with sone Naval guns inland on the western battle front. The news has aroused deep sympathy and regret in the district, where the family is well known and respected. Captain Cragg has left for London, in hope of learning further particulars of his son;'s end. Deceased was a prominent sportsman, frequently assisted the Billingborough Cricket Club when at home on leave. He was about twenty-two years of age. Captain and Mrs. Cragg had four sons serving in the Army. The other three are Capt. W. G. Cragg (Loyal North Lancashire Regiment), Lieut E. Cragg (23rd Battalion Royal Fusiliers, 1st Sportsman's), and Second-Lieut. J. F. Cragg (8th Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment).
Threekingham. The Death Of Lieut. Cragg, R.N. – Further particulars are to hand concerning the death of Lieut. Noel H. Cragg, R.N., who was killed in action on the Western battle front, on Sept 20th. It seems that he recieved his fatal wound in the region of Nieuport, Belgium, while in charge of a naval 6 inch gun in the rear of the French trenches. When on the "Hind" torpedo boat destroyer, he took park in the battle of Heligoland Bight in August of last year, and the subsequent raid on Cuxhaven. He also gained distinction when Sub-Lieutenant on board the "King Edward VII.," for in May, 1914, he received the public thanks of Admiral Sir Lewis Bayley for saving life at sea, and was by him recommended to the favourable consideration of the Admiralty.
Threekingham. Letter From The King – It having come to the knowledge of the King that Captain W. A. Cragg, of Threekingham House, had four sons serving their country, his Majesty caused the following letter to be sent conveying his appreciation:-
"Privy Purse Office, Buckingham Palace, S.W., 2nd October, 1915.
Sir,- I am commanded by the King to convey to you an expression of his Majesty's appreciation of the patriotic spirit which has prompted your four sons to give their service to the Army and Navy.The King was much gratified to hear of the manner in which they have so readily responded to the call of their Sovereign and their country, and I am to express to you and to them his Majesty's congratulations on having contributed in so full a measure to the great cause for which all people of the British Empire are so bravely fighting. I have the honour to be, sir, your obedient servant, F. M. Pomsonby, keeper of the, Privy Purse." It is only a week or two since the sad news arrived that one of these sons – Lieut. Noel H. Cragg, R.N. had been killed in action, while another Lieut. J. F. Cragg, of the 8th Lincolns, has been wounded while taking park in the recent advance on the Western front, and is now in a London hospital. Now comes the news that a third son, Capt. W. G. Cragg (Loyal Lancashire Fusiliers), has been accidentally wounded at the Dardanelles.
Captain And Mrs. W. A. Cragg, of Threekingham House, have suffered another heavy blow by the death of their third son, Lieut. John Francis Cragg, of the Lincolns, and the deepest sympathy is exended to them. The following letter has been received from the Officer Commanding:- "Dear Captain Cragg, – I am very sorry to inform you that your son went into action with us on July 1st and was killed. His Company was the leading one of his Battalion to go over, and all his officers were hit. He was very keen, and I much regret his loss. Lieut. Cragg was wounded in the leg in the Battle of Loos, on September 25th, 1915, but he made a good recovery, and afterwards came home on leave. In January, he was blown out of a trench, and suffered from shell shock. Captain and Mrs. Cragg had four officer sons in the Army, and this is the second to fall, the other being Lieut. Noel Henry Cragg, killed in action at Nieuport on September 15th, 1915. This gallant young officer was mentioned in a despatch from Field Marshal Sir John Frencin for gallantry and distinguished service in the field, and Captian Cragg subsequently received a communication in which the folling passage occurred: "I beg to express to you the King's high appreciation of your son's services, and to add that his Majsty trusts their public acknowledgment may be some consolation in your bereavement."