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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Paternal Family Tree: Fox of Farley
Maternal Family Tree: Elizabeth Whittle 1696
On 8th December 1651 [his father] Stephen Fox (age 24) and [his mother] Elizabeth Whittle were married.
On 2nd January 1660 Charles Fox was born to [his father] Stephen Fox (age 32) and [his mother] Elizabeth Whittle in Brussels [Map]. His godfather was King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 29).
Before 1675 [his brother-in-law] Charles Cornwallis 3rd Baron Cornwallis (age 19) and [his sister] Elizabeth Fox Baroness Cornwallis were married at Westminster Abbey [Map]. She by marriage Baroness Cornwallis.
In 1679 Charles Fox (age 18) and Elizabeth Carr Trollope (age 18) were married. There was no issue from the marriage. She brought the Water Eaton estate, near Cricklade, and £6000 and/or £2000 each year to the marriage
On 8th December 1680 Charles Fox (age 20) was elected MP Eye in the interest of his brother-in-law Charles Cornwallis 3rd Baron Cornwallis (age 24). He appears to have been underage at the time.
On 28th February 1681 [his sister] Elizabeth Fox Baroness Cornwallis died.
In 1682 Charles Fox (age 21) was appointed Paymaster General to the Forces which office he held solely until 1685.
On 26th May 1685 Charles Fox (age 25) was elected MP Cricklade. He was re-elected in 1689, 1690 and 1695.
In 1690 Charles Fox (age 29) was appointed Receiver-General and Paymaster which office he held until 1698.
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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Calendar of the State Papers of William and Mary 1693 March. 22nd March 1693. Kensington. Warrant to [the same] to grant to Thomas, Lord Coningsby, and Charles Fox (age 33), receivers and paymasters-general in Ireland, sixpence in the pound on all moneys paid by them (provided it do not exceed the yearly sum of 6,250l.), in lieu of the allowances they at present receive for their fees and expenses. [Ibid.]
Calendar of the State Papers of William and Mary 1693 April. 6th April 1693. Whitehall. Proceedings upon the petition of Lieutenant-Colonel James Montaut. Shows that he was first captain in Colonel Du Cambon's regiment and could never have any account from his colonel of the money that was paid to the regiment, though it was often desired. He therefore prays that the said colonel be ordered to give him his accounts. ace to Charles Fox (age 33), esq. [S.P. Dom. Petition Entry Book 1, p. 466.]
Calendar of the State Papers of William and Mary 1693 April. 28th April 1693. Whitehall. Proceedings upon the petition of Erasmus Trenshenberg. Shows that he was captain in Col. Groben's regiment in Ireland, and that there is due to him, thereupon, 977l. 18s. Referred to the Earl of Ranelagh and to Charles Fox (age 33), esq., paymasters of their Majesties' forces, to examine the allegations contained. [S.P. Dom. Petition Entry Book 2, p. 318.]
On 11th August 1696 [his mother] Elizabeth Whittle died. She was buried at All Saints' Church, Farley where she has a monument:, an elegant aedicule, grey and white marbles. Corinthian columns supporting a curved pediment. Flaming urn and lamps connected by garlands over. Within, a curtained niche revealing swathed bust of Dame Elizabeth Fox, died 1696. Gadrooned base. Inscription in Latin on shaped apron, terminating in conjoined putti.
In 1698 Charles Fox (age 37) was elected MP Salisbury. He was re-elected on 9th July 1701, in December 1701, 1702, 1705, 1708, 1710 and 31st August 1713 until his death on 21st September 1713.
In 1702 Charles Fox (age 41) was appointed Paymaster General to the Forces which office he held jointly until 1705.
In March 1703 [his wife] Elizabeth Carr Trollope (age 42) died.
On 11th July 1703 [his father] Stephen Fox (age 76) and [his step-mother] Christiana Hope were married.
In 21st September 1713 Charles Fox (age 53) died predeceasing his father. He was buried at All Saints' Church, Farley where he has a monument: marble aedicule, open segmental pediment on composite columns. Coloured arms in spandrel with garlands. Gadrooned base. Inscription in English in panel with reentrant corners with putti.
GrandFather: William Whittle of the City of London
Mother: Elizabeth Whittle
