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 1609 Colonel James Turner was born at Worcester, Worcestershire [Map].
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 10th January 1664. So to bed. All our discourse to-night was Mr. Tryan's late being robbed; and that Collonell Turner [aged 55] (a mad, swearing, confident fellow, well known by all, and by me), one much indebted to this man for his very livelihood, was the man that either did or plotted it; and the money and things are found in his hand, and he and his wife now in Newgate [Map] for it; of which we are all glad, so very a known rogue he was.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 11th January 1664. The general talke of the towne still is of Collonell Turner [aged 55], about the robbery; who, it is thought, will be hanged.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 16th January 1664. At noon I to the 'Change [Map] about some pieces of eight for Sir J. Lawson [aged 49]. There I hear that Collonell Turner [aged 55] is found guilty of felony at the Sessions in Mr. Tryan's business, which will save his life.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 18th January 1664. Thence home by coach to the 'Change [Map], after having been at the Coffee-house, where I hear Turner [aged 55] is found guilty of felony and burglary; and strange stories of his confidence at the barr, but yet great indiscretion in his argueing. All desirous of his being hanged.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 20th January 1664. So to the 'Change [Map] and walked home, thence with Sir Richard Ford [aged 50], who told me that Turner [aged 55] is to be hanged to-morrow, and with what impudence he hath carried out his trial; but that last night, when he brought him newes of his death, he began to be sober and shed some tears, and he hopes will die a penitent; he having already confessed all the thing, but says it was partly done for a joke, and partly to get an occasion of obliging the old man by his care in getting him his things again, he having some hopes of being the better by him in his estate at his death.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 21st January 1664. So to my office and did a little business, and then to my aunt Wight's [aged 45] to fetch my wife home, where Dr. Burnett did tell me how poorly the sheriffs did endeavour to get one jewell returned by Turner [aged 55], after he was convicted, as a due to them, and not to give it to Mr. Tryan, the true owner, but ruled against them, to their great dishonour. Though they plead it might be another jewell for ought they know and not Tryan's.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 21st January 1664. Thence to the Coffee-house, and heard the full of Turner's [aged 55] discourse on the cart, which was chiefly to clear himself of all things laid to his charge but this fault, for which he now suffers, which he confesses. He deplored the condition of his family, but his chief design was to lengthen time, believing still a reprieve would come, though the sheriff advised him to expect no such thing, for the King [aged 33] was resolved to grant none. After that I had good discourse with a pretty young merchant with mighty content.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 21st January 1664. Up, and after sending my wife to my aunt Wight's [aged 45] to get a place to see Turner [aged 55] hanged, I to the office, where we sat all the morning, and at noon going to the 'Change [Map]; and seeing people flock in the City, I enquired, and found that Turner was not yet hanged. And so I went among them to Leadenhall Street [Map], at the end of Lyme Street [Map], near where the robbery was done; and to St. Mary Axe, where he lived. And there I got for a shilling to stand upon the wheel of a cart, in great pain, above an houre before the execution was done; he delaying the time by long discourses and prayers one after another, in hopes of a reprieve; but none came, and at last was flung off the ladder in his cloake. A comely-looked man he was, and kept his countenance to the end: I was sorry to see him. It was believed there were at least 12 or 14,000 people in the street.
On 21st January 1664 Colonel James Turner [aged 55] was hanged at St Mary Axe.