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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In 1693 Archbishop Thomas Herring was born to [his father] John Herring.
In 1727 Archbishop Thomas Herring [aged 34] was appointed Chaplain to King George II of Great Britain and Ireland [aged 43].
In 1732 Archbishop Thomas Herring [aged 39] was appointed Dean of Rochester.
In 1737 Archbishop Thomas Herring [aged 44] was appointed Bishop of Bangor.
On 15th January 1738 Archbishop Thomas Herring [aged 45] was consecrated Bishop of Bangor.
On 21st April 1743 Archbishop Thomas Herring [aged 50] was translated to Archbishop of York.
Around 1745 William Hogarth [aged 47]. Portrait of Archbishop Thomas Herring [aged 52].
On 24th October 1745 Archbishop Thomas Herring [aged 52] in a speech at York Castle [Map] during the Jacobite Rebellion said:
"these Commotions in the North are but Part of a Great Plan concerted for our Ruin-They have begun under the Countenance, and will be supported by the Forces of France and Spain, our old and inveterate, (and late Experience calls upon me to add, our savage and blood-thirsty) Enemies-A Circumstance that should fire the Indignation of every honest Englishman. If these Designs should succeed, and Popery and Arbitrary Power come in upon us, under the Influence and Direction of these two Tyrannical and Corrupted Courts, I leave you to reflect, what would become of every Thing that is valuable to us! We are now bless'd with the mild Administration of a Just and Protestant King, who is of so strict an Adherence to the Laws of our Country, that not an Instance can be pointed out, during his whole reign, wherein he made the least Attempt upon the Liberty, or Property, or Religion, of a single Person. But if the Ambition and Pride of France and Spain, is to dictate to us, we must submit to a Man to govern us under their hated and accursed Influence, who brings his Religion from Rome, and Rules and Maxims of his Government from Paris and Madrid.".
Horace Walpole 4th Earl Orford [aged 28] said this speech "had as much true spirit, honesty and bravery in it as ever was penned by an historian for an ancient hero".
On 21st October 1747 Archbishop Thomas Herring [aged 54] was elected Archbishop of Canterbury.
On 23rd March 1757 Archbishop Thomas Herring [aged 64] died. He was buried in Croydon Minster [Map].