Chronicle of Walter of Guisborough
A canon regular of the Augustinian Guisborough Priory, Yorkshire, formerly known as The Chronicle of Walter of Hemingburgh, describes the period from 1066 to 1346. Before 1274 the Chronicle is based on other works. Thereafter, the Chronicle is original, and a remarkable source for the events of the time. This book provides a translation of the Chronicle from that date. The Latin source for our translation is the 1849 work edited by Hans Claude Hamilton. Hamilton, in his preface, says: 'In the present work we behold perhaps one of the finest samples of our early chronicles, both as regards the value of the events recorded, and the correctness with which they are detailed; Nor will the pleasing style of composition be lightly passed over by those capable of seeing reflected from it the tokens of a vigorous and cultivated mind, and a favourable specimen of the learning and taste of the age in which it was framed.'
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Around 1847 Alice aka Alexa Wilding was born.
1863. Retouched 1873. Dante Gabriel Rossetti (age 34). "Die Geliebte" aka "The Beloved" aka "The Bride". Models: Alice aka Alexa Wilding (age 16), Ellen Smith, Marie Ford Model, Fanny Entwhistle aka Eaton (age 27) and Keomi aka Keytumas Gray (age 21).
Two Biblical texts are inscribed on the frame below the painting.
My beloved is mine and I am his. Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth: For thy love is better than wine. [The Song of Songs by King Solomon]
She shall be brought unto the king in raiment of needlework: the virgins that be her fellows shall bear her company, and shall be brought unto thee.
Between 1864 to 1868. Dante Gabriel Rossetti (age 35). Venus Verticordia aka Venus, Changer of the heart. Model Alice aka Alexa Wilding (age 17).
Between 1864 to 1868. Dante Gabriel Rossetti (age 35). Study for Venus Verticordia aka Venus, Changer of the heart. Model: Alice aka Alexa Wilding (age 17).
1865. Dante Gabriel Rossetti (age 36). Study for Washing Hands. Drawing of Alice aka Alexa Wilding (age 18).
1866. Dante Gabriel Rossetti (age 37). Monna Vanna aka Vain Woman. Model: Alice aka Alexa Wilding (age 19). The fan also appears in the painting Veronica Veronese.
From 1866 to 1870. Dante Gabriel Rossetti (age 37). Sibylla Palmifera aka Soul's Beauty. Model: Alice aka Alexa Wilding (age 19).
Jean de Waurin's Chronicle of England Volume 6 Books 3-6: The Wars of the Roses
Jean de Waurin was a French Chronicler, from the Artois region, who was born around 1400, and died around 1474. Waurin’s Chronicle of England, Volume 6, covering the period 1450 to 1471, from which we have selected and translated Chapters relating to the Wars of the Roses, provides a vivid, original, contemporary description of key events some of which he witnessed first-hand, some of which he was told by the key people involved with whom Waurin had a personal relationship.
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1866. Dante Gabriel Rossetti (age 37). Regina Cordium aka Queen of Hearts. Model: Alice aka Alexa Wilding (age 19).
Around 1866. Dante Gabriel Rossetti (age 37). Study for Sibylla Palmifera aka Soul's Beauty. Model: Alice aka Alexa Wilding (age 19).
Around 1867. Dante Gabriel Rossetti (age 38). Mary Magdalene. Model: Alice aka Alexa Wilding (age 20).
1867. Dante Gabriel Rossetti (age 38). Rosa Triplex. Model: Alice aka Alexa Wilding (age 20).
Around 1867. Dante Gabriel Rossetti (age 38). Aspecta Medusa. Model: Alice aka Alexa Wilding (age 20).
1868. Dante Gabriel Rossetti (age 39). Study for La Pia de' Tolomei. Model: Alice aka Alexa Wilding (age 21).
1868. Dante Gabriel Rossetti (age 39). La Pia de' Tolomei. Model: Alice aka Alexa Wilding (age 21).
1870. Dante Gabriel Rossetti (age 41). Study for Dante's Dream. Model: Alice aka Alexa Wilding (age 23).
1870. Dante Gabriel Rossetti (age 41). Study for Dante's Dream. Model: Alice aka Alexa Wilding (age 23).
1871. Dante Gabriel Rossetti (age 42). "Dante's Dream at the Time of the Death of Beatrice". Models: Beatrice: Jane Morris nee Burden (age 31), far left Alice aka Alexa Wilding (age 24), far right Annie Miller (age 36).
The History of William Marshal was commissioned by his son shortly after William’s death in 1219 to celebrate the Marshal’s remarkable life; it is an authentic, contemporary voice. The manuscript was discovered in 1861 by French historian Paul Meyer. Meyer published the manuscript in its original Anglo-French in 1891 in two books. This book is a line by line translation of the first of Meyer’s books; lines 1-10152. Book 1 of the History begins in 1139 and ends in 1194. It describes the events of the Anarchy, the role of William’s father John, John’s marriages, William’s childhood, his role as a hostage at the siege of Newbury, his injury and imprisonment in Poitou where he met Eleanor of Aquitaine and his life as a knight errant. It continues with the accusation against him of an improper relationship with Margaret, wife of Henry the Young King, his exile, and return, the death of Henry the Young King, the rebellion of Richard, the future King Richard I, war with France, the death of King Henry II, and the capture of King Richard, and the rebellion of John, the future King John. It ends with the release of King Richard and the death of John Marshal.
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Between 1872 and 1873. Dante Gabriel Rossetti (age 43). Study for Lilith's Head. Model probably Alice aka Alexa Wilding (age 25).
1872. Dante Gabriel Rossetti (age 43). The Bower Meadow. Models Alice aka Alexa Wilding (age 25) right in green, Marie Spartali aka Stillman (age 27) left in red.
1872. Dante Gabriel Rossetti (age 43). Veronica Veronese. Model Alice aka Alexa Wilding (age 25). Sold to Frederick Richards Leyland in 1872 for £840. In 1923 it was acquired by the estate of Samuel Bancroft which donated it in 1935 to the Delaware Art Museum. The painting depicts an uncaged bird, with camomile in the cage, on the desk primroses and daffodils. The fan at her side also appears in the paintint Monna Vanna. The quote is attributed on the frame to "The Letters of Girolamo Ridolfi,", which may a conceit, Suddenly leaning forward, the Lady Veronica rapidly wrote the first notes on the virgin page. Then she took the bow of her violin to make her dream reality; but before commencing to play the instrument hanging from her hand, she remained quiet a few moments, listening to the inspiring bird, while her left hand strayed over the strings searching for the supreme melody, still elusive. It was the marriage of the voices of nature and the soul—the dawn of a mystic creation. Translation from the French by Rowland Elzea.
1873. Dante Gabriel Rossetti (age 44). "La Ghirlandata" aka "The Garlanded Woman" aka "The Lady of the Wreath". Model: Alice aka Alexa Wilding (age 26). Mary "May" Morris (age 10) modelled for the heads in the corners. A woman playing a harp as two angels surround her, enclosed by vivid flowers – including honeysuckle and roses – and luscious green foliage which melds into the green of her dress.
1874. Dante Gabriel Rossetti (age 45). Roman Widow. Model Alice aka Alexa Wilding (age 27).
1874. Dante Gabriel Rossetti (age 45). Alexa Wilding. Model Alice aka Alexa Wilding (age 27).
1874. Dante Gabriel Rossetti (age 45). Damsel of the Sanct Grael. Model Alice aka Alexa Wilding (age 27).
Between 1875 and 1878. Dante Gabriel Rossetti (age 46). The Blessed Damozel. Models centre Alice aka Alexa Wilding (age 28), probably left-hand angel Mary "May" Morris (age 12). The first four verses of his poem The Blessed Damozel are written on the frame. In the collection of the Lady Lever Art Gallery [Map].
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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1875. Dante Gabriel Rossetti (age 46). La Bella Mano aka The Beautiful Hand. Model Alice aka Alexa Wilding (age 28).
1875. Dante Gabriel Rossetti (age 46). Study for La Bella Mano aka The Beautiful Hand. Model Alice aka Alexa Wilding (age 28).
1877. Dante Gabriel Rossetti (age 48). A Sea-Spell. Model Alice aka Alexa Wilding (age 30).
1879. Dante Gabriel Rossetti (age 50). "Alice aka Alexa Wilding (age 32)".
On 25th April 1884 Alice aka Alexa Wilding (age 37) died.