Abbot John Whethamstede’s Chronicle of the Abbey of St Albans
Abbot John Whethamstede's Register aka Chronicle of his second term at the Abbey of St Albans, 1451-1461, is a remarkable text that describes his first-hand experience of the beginning of the Wars of the Roses including the First and Second Battles of St Albans, 1455 and 1461, respectively, their cause, and their consequences, not least on the Abbey itself. His text also includes Loveday, Blore Heath, Northampton, the Act of Accord, Wakefield, and Towton, and ends with the Coronation of King Edward IV. In addition to the events of the Wars of the Roses, Abbot John, or his scribes who wrote the Chronicle, include details in the life of the Abbey such as charters, letters, land exchanges, visits by legates, and disputes, which provide a rich insight into the day-to-day life of the Abbey, and the challenges faced by its Abbot.
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Arthur Porter was elected MP Aylesbury.
Around 1505 Arthur Porter was born to [his father] Roger Porter.
In 1531 John Berkeley (age 25) and [his future wife] Isabel Denys (age 22) were married. They were sixth cousins.
In 1542 Llanthony Priory [Map] was given to Arthur Porter (age 37) during the Dissolution of the Monasteries.
After 28th June 1545 Arthur Porter (age 40) and Isabel Denys (age 37) were married.
In November 1554 Arthur Porter (age 49) was elected MP Gloucestershire.
In 1555 Henry Lygon (age 41) and [his step-daughter] Elizabeth Berkeley (age 27) were married.
In 1555 Arthur Porter (age 50) was elected MP City of Gloucestershire.
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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On 31st May 1559 Arthur Porter (age 54) died.