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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After 1510 Bishop Robert Horne was born.
Henry Machyn's Diary. 29th March 1559. The xxix day of Marche dyd pryche at sant Mare Spyttyll master Horne [aged 49], parsun sum-tyme at Allalows in Bredstrett.
Henry Machyn's Diary. 21st May 1559. The xxj day of May dyd pryche at Powlles crosse [Map] master Horne [aged 49], and ther was my lord mayre [aged 50] and the althermen and mony juges and sergantes of the law, and a grett nombur of pepull to the nombur (blank)
Henry Machyn's Diary. 11th August 1559. The xj day of August the vesetars [visitors] satt at Powlles, master docthur Horne [aged 49], and master (blank) and master (blank), apon master Harpfeld, and master Harpfeld and dyvers odur.
Henry Machyn's Diary. 21st August 1559. The xxj day of August dyd the veseturs [visitors] sat at sant Brydes, doctur Horne [aged 49] and ij [2] more, for ij [2] churche-wardens and ij [2] more wher sworne to bryng a truw envetore [inventory] of the chyrche.
Henry Machyn's Diary. 22nd August 1559. The xxij day of August the vesaturs [visitors] sat at sant Larens in the Jure, docthur Horne [aged 49] and mo veseturs.
In 1560 Bishop Robert Horne [aged 49] was consecrated Bishop of Winchester.
Henry Machyn's Diary. 19th November 1560. The xix day of November was electyd the byshope of Wynchester at the cowrt, master Horne [aged 50] late dene of Durram.
Henry Machyn's Diary. 16th February 1561. The sam day at Lambeth [Map] was consecratyd nuwe byshopes, master Horne [aged 51] of Wynchastur, and master Skamler byshope [aged 41] of Peterborowe.
Henry Machyn's Diary. 7th April 1561. The vij day of Aprell dyd pryche at sant Mare spytyll the nuwe byshope of Wynchester master Horne [aged 51], and ther was all the masters of the hospetall, and the chylderyn in bluw cotes, and my lord mayre [aged 52] and the althermen, and mony worshephull men.
On 1st January 1562 the New Years Gift Giving was held. Those who gave gifts provide an interesting who's who of the Elizabethan Court soon after Elizabeth I's Coronation. Queen Elizabeth [aged 28] was present since a number are described as "With the Qene her Majestie."
For 'dimy' read 'demi' ie half-sovereigns.
Neweeyeur's Gyftes gevon to the Quene her Majestie by those Parsons whose Names hereafter ensue, the first of January, the Yere above wrytten.
By the Lady Margaret Strainge [aged 22], a little round mounte of golde to conteyne a pomaunder in it. With the Qene her Majestie. Note. Lady Margaret Strange married Henry Stanley Lord Strange [aged 30] on 07 Feb 1555. In 1561 he had not succeeded to Earldom of Derby and was known by the courtesy title Lord Strange. She is listed first since she was one of the few remaining direct descendants of Henry VII, being a great-granddaughter by his daughter Mary Tudor. Margaret Clifford was first in line to succeed in 1568 but died in 1596 before Elizabeth I.
Dukes, Marquises and Earls.
By the Duke of Norfolke [aged 25], in a purse of purple silke and golde knit, in sundry coynes of golde £20 0s 0d.
By the Marquis of Winchester [aged 79], High Threasourer of Englande, in a purse of crymsen satten, in angells £20 0s 0d.
By the Marquis of Northampton [aged 50], in a purse of crymsen silke and gold knit, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.
By the Earle of Arundell [aged 49], Lord Steward, in a paper, in angels, £30 0s 0d.
By the Earle of Shrewesburye [aged 34], in a red silke purse, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.
By the Earle of Darbye [aged 52], in a purse of crymsen satten, embraudered with golde, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.
By the Earle of Pembroke [aged 61], in a purse of black silk and silver knit, in new angells £30 0s 0d.
By the Earle of Bedforde [aged 35], in a purse of black silk and golde knytt, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.
By the Earle of Rutlande [aged 35], in a purse of red silk and golde knytt, in dimy soveraigns and angells £20 0s 0d.
By the Earle of Huntingdon, in a red silk purse, in angells £15 0s 0d.
By the Earle of Westmerlande [aged 37], in a red silk purse, in dimy soveraigns £10 0s 0d.
By the Earle of Oxforde [aged 46], in a red silk purse, in dimy soveraigns £10 0s 0d.
By the Earle of Northumberlande [aged 34], in a purse of black silke and silver knytt, in angells £10 0s 0d. With the Quene her Highness.
By the Earle of Warwike [aged 32], a smocke wrought with black silk, a peire of slevis, and a partelett wrought with gold, silver, and black silke. Delivered to the Baroness Cobham [aged 23].
By the Viscounte Mountague [aged 33], in a purse of cloth of golde, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d. With her said Majestie.
Bishops. The list of Bishops ends with "With her said Majestie"; unclear whether this refers to all the Bishops listed.
By the Archbusshop of Caunterbury [aged 57], in a red silk purse, in dimy soveraigns £40 0s 0d.
By the Archbusshop of York [aged 61], in soveraigns £30 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Duresme [aged 42], in a purse of crymson silk and gold knytt, in angells £30 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Ely [aged 69], in a red vellat purse, in angells £30 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Wynchester [aged 52], in a purse of crymsen silk and gold knytt and set with pearles, in angells £20 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of London [aged 43], in a red satten purse, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Salisbury [aged 39], in a red satten purse, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Worcester [aged 43], in a black vellat purse, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Lyncoln [aged 42], in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Chychester [aged 64], in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Norwich [aged 50], in a blew silk purse £13 6s 8d.
By the Busshop of Hereforde [aged 52], in a green silk purse, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Lychfield and Coventry [aged 48], in a red satten purse, in angells £13 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Rochester [aged 48], in a red purse, in gold £13 6s 8d.
By the Busshop of Saint Davies [aged 55], in a red silk purse, in angells £10 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Bathe, in a purse of red silk, in angells £10 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Exetour, in a blew silk purse, in angells £10 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Peterborowe, in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Chester, in a red purse, in angells and soveraignes £10 0s 0d.
Duchesses and Countesses.
By the Duchess of Norfolke [aged 22], in a prse of crymsen silk and gold knyt, in angells £20 0s 0d.
By the Duchess of Somerset [aged 65], in a purse of silver and black silk, in royalls and ducketts £14 0s 0d. Probably the Dowager Duchess of Somerset since her husband Edward Seymour 1st Duke of Somerset had been executed in 1552, and their children disinherited as a result.
By the Countess of Surrey, in a purse of tawny silk and gold, in dimy soveraignes £5 0s 0d. Dowager since her husband Henry Howard 1516-1547, by courtesy Earl Surrey, had been executed in 1547.
By the Countess of Pembroke [aged 38], in a cherry bag of crymsen satten, in new angells £15 0s 0d.
By the Countess of Bedford [aged 36], in a purse of crymsen silk and silver knytt, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.
By the Countess of Darby [aged 51], in a purse of crymson sattin embrodred with gold, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.
By the Countess of Oxford [aged 36], in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes £5 0s 0d.
By the Countess of Shrewisbury, Dowager [aged 62], in a purse of black silk knytt, in dimy soveraignes £12 0s 0d.
By the Countess of Shrewisbury [aged 37], in a red silk purse knytt, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.
By the Countess of Huntingdon, Dowager [aged 51], in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.
By the Countess of Huntingdon [aged 24], in a red purse, in angells £10 0s 0d.
By the Countess of Northumberland [aged 24], in a purse of black silk and silver knytt, in angells £10 0s 0d.
By the Countess of Rutland [aged 29], in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes £13 6s 8d.
Viscountesses.
By the Vicountess Hereford, Dowager [aged 42], six hankercheffes edged with gold delivered to the said Baroness Cobham.
By the Vicountess Mountague [aged 23], in a purse of cloth of gold, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.
Lordes.
By the Lorde Keeper of the Great Seale, Bacon [aged 51], in a purse of silver knytt, in angells £13 6s 8d.
By the Lorde William Howard, Lord Chamberlen [aged 52], in a purse of crymsen silk and gold knytt, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.
By the Lorde Pagett [aged 56], in a greene purse in dimy soveraignes £13 6s 8d.
By the Lorde Clynton, Lord Admyrall [aged 50], in gold £10 0s 0d.
By the Lorde Riche [aged 65], in a red satten purse, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.
By the Lorde North [aged 66], in a purse of purple silk and silver, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.
By the Lorde Lumley [aged 29], in a paper, in angells £20 0s 0d.
By the Lorde Hastings of Loughboro [aged 41], in a red silk purse, in French crowns £13 0s 0d.
By the Lorde Stafford [aged 60], in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes £5 0s 0d.
By the Lorde Windsor [aged 30], in a purse of crymsn silk and gold knytt, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d. With her said Majestie.
by Lorde John Graye [aged 38], a haunce pott of allabaster garnished with silver gilt. Delivered in charge to John Asteley, Esq Master and Threasourer of her Highnes Jewels and Plate. Lord John Grey assumed to be a courtesy title his father being Thomas Grey 2nd Marquess Dorset.
By the Lorde Barkeley [aged 27], in a red purse, in gold £10 0s 0d.
By the Lorde Mountejoye [aged 29], in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.
By the Lorde Abergavennye [aged 36], in a purse of red silke, in dimy soveraignes £5 0s 0d.
By the Lorde Scrowpe [aged 28], in a purse of blak silk and silver knytt, in angells £10 0s 0d.
By the Lorde Caree of Hundesdon [aged 35], in a purse of crymsen silk, in double ducketts £13 6s 8d.
By the Lorde Strainge, in a purse of red silk and gold, in dimy soveraignes £5 0s 0d. Lord Strange being the courtesy title for the Earldom of Derby. He wouldn't inherit until 1572.
By the Lorde Darcey of Chichey [aged 30], in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes, £10 0s 0d.
By the Lorde Shefild [aged 24], in a red silk purse, in gold £10 0s 0d.
By the Lorde Shandowes [aged 40], in a blak silk purse, in angells £10 0s 0d. With her said Majestie.
Ladyes.
By the Baroness Howarde [aged 47], in a purse of crymsen silk and knytt, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d. With her said Majestie.
By the Baroness Clinton [aged 35], a peire of sleevis of gold, pulled out with lawne. Delivered to the said Baroness Cobham.
By the Baroness Genevillet, in gold £6 13s 4d.
By the Lady Barkeley [aged 24], Lord Barkeley's wife, in gold £5 0s 0d.
By the Lady Mountejoye [aged 30], in a red silk purse, in angells £10 0s 0d.
By the Lady Abergavenny, in a red satten purse, in dimy soveraignes £5 0s 0d.
By the Lady Caree of Hundesdon [aged 33], in a blak purse knytt, in angells £10 0s 0d.
By the Lady Taylboyes, Sir Peter Carewe's [aged 48] wyfe, in a purse of blak silk and silver, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d. With her said Majestie.
By the Baroness Cobham, a partelett and a peire of sleeves of sypers wrought with silver and blak silke. Re-delivered to herself.
By the Lady Dakers [aged 21], a warming ball of gold, per oz. 3 oz. dim. With her said Majestie.
By the Lady Shefilde [aged 20], a paire of sleeves wrought with fringe of blak silk and lozeng of gold. Delivered to the said Baroness Cobham.
By the Margaret Baroness Scrope [aged 18], in a purse of blak silk and silver, in angells £7 0s 0d. With her said Majestie.
By the Lady Shandowes [aged 38], a peire of sleeves and a partlett of gold and silver knytt, cawle fashion. Delivered to the said Baroness Cobham.
By the Lady Knowlles [aged 38], a feyne carpett of needleworke, theverende frienged and buttoned with gold and silk. Delivered to John Torneworth, Groom of the Privy Chamber.
By the Lady Butler, in a little white purse, in French crowns £6 0s 0d. With her said Majestie. Unclear as to who Lady Butler refers to.
By the Lady Raclyef, a peire of sleeves of cameryk, all over sett with purle, and two sweet bags. Delivered to the said Baroness Cobham.
Henry Machyn's Diary. 8th March 1562. The viij day of Marche dyd pryche a-for the quen('s) [aged 28] grace, the iiij sonday in Lentt, called Mydlent sonday, master Horne [aged 52], the byshope of Wynchaster.
Henry Machyn's Diary. 23rd April 1562. The xxiij day of Aprell was sant Gorge's day, a[nd at Whiteh]alle the Quen('s) [aged 28] grase whent from her chapell with xii. knyghtes of the Garter in robes with colars of gold with garters, [and] xx of here chapelle, in copes of cloth of gold, to the of[fering, s]yngyne the Englys presessyon from the chapell rond [about the] halle and bake agayne to the chapelle syngyng; and master [dean of] her chapell bare a boke and a robe, and master Norres [aged 64] [bare the] blake rod in a robe, and master Garter [aged 52], all iij in cremesun saten; [and] the byshope of Wynchester [aged 52] warre ys robe of red (blank); and ser William Peter, master Clarenshux [aged 52], Somersett, Yorke, Lanckaster, Rychemond, and Chaster, Ruge-dragon, and R[ouge-croix, Port-] colles, Blumantyll, Wyndsor.
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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Henry Machyn's Diary. 21st March 1563. The xxj day of Marche dyd pryche at Powlles crosse [Map] the byshope of Wynchastur [aged 53], and mad a godly sermon.
Henry Machyn's Diary. 12th April 1563. The xij day of Aprell, was Ester monday, dyd pryche at sant Mare spyttyll master Horne [aged 53] the byshope of Wynchastur, and ther was my lord mare [aged 54] and the althermen in skarlett, and certen juges and serjantes of the law, and mony worshephulle men and women, and the masturs of the hospetall with ther gren stayffes in ther handes, [and the] chylderyne of the hospetall boyth boysse and wenchys in bluw [coats and] red capes [caps] to the nombur of a (blank), and ther was geydered at the sermon for the Frenche men [refugees] in-to England women and chylderyn the sum of xlv li.
In 1579 Bishop Robert Horne [aged 68] died.