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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Paternal Family Tree: Wordsworth
On 9th June 1774 Christopher Wordsworth was born to [his father] John Wordsworth and [his mother] Ann Cookson at Wordsworth House.
In 1783 [his father] John Wordsworth died. [his sister] Dorothy Wordsworth (age 11) was sent to live with her aunt Elizabeth Threlkeld in Halifax.
In 1798 Christopher Wordsworth (age 23) became a Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge University [Map].
In 1802 [his brother] William Wordsworth (age 31) and [his sister-in-law] Mary Hutchinson were married.
In 1804 Christopher Wordsworth (age 29) and Priscilla Lloyd were married.
On 30th October 1807 [his son] Bishop Christopher Wordsworth was born to Christopher Wordsworth (age 33) and [his wife] Priscilla Lloyd.
In 1810 Christopher Wordsworth (age 35) published an Ecclesiastical Biography in 6 volumes.
In 1810 Christopher Wordsworth (age 35) received his Doctor of Divinity degree.
In 1815 [his wife] Priscilla Lloyd died.
The True Chronicles of Jean le Bel Volume 1 Chapters 1-60 1307-1342
The True Chronicles of Jean le Bel offer one of the most vivid and immediate accounts of 14th-century Europe, written by a knight who lived through the events he describes, and experienced some of them first hand. Covering the early decades of the Hundred Years’ War, this remarkable chronicle follows the campaigns of Edward III of England, the politics of France and the Low Countries, and the shifting alliances that shaped medieval warfare. Unlike later historians, Jean le Bel writes with a strong sense of eyewitness authenticity, drawing on personal experience and the testimony of fellow soldiers. His narrative captures not only battles and sieges, but also the realities of military life, diplomacy, and the ideals of chivalry that governed noble society. A key source for Jean Froissart, Le Bel’s chronicle stands on its own as a compelling and insightful work, at once historical record and literary achievement. This translation builds on the 1905 edition published in French by Jules Viard, adding extensive translations from other sources Rymer's Fœdera, the Chronicles of Adam Murimuth, William Nangis, Walter of Guisborough, a Bourgeois of Valenciennes, Geoffrey le Baker of Swinbroke and Richard Lescot to enrich the original text and Viard's notes.
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In 1820 Christopher Wordsworth (age 45) was appointed Master of Trinity College, Cambridge University [Map] which position he held until 1846 when he resigned.
On 2nd February 1846 Christopher Wordsworth (age 71) died at Buxted.