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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Paternal Family Tree: Grey
Maternal Family Tree: María González Henestrosa Lady Villagera 1356
On 19th July 1620 [her father] Henry Grey 1st Earl Stamford [aged 21] and [her mother] Anne Cecil [aged 24] were married. She by marriage Baroness Grey of Groby. She the daughter of [her grandfather] William Cecil 2nd Earl Exeter [aged 54] and [her grandmother] Elizabeth Drury Countess Exeter [aged 42]. They were fourth cousins.
In or before 1630 Diana Grey Countess Elgin and Ailesbury was born to [her father] Henry Grey 1st Earl Stamford [aged 30] and [her mother] Anne Cecil Countess Stamford [aged 33].
Before March 1645 Robert Bruce 2nd Earl Elgin 1st Earl Ailesbury [aged 18] and Diana Grey Countess Elgin and Ailesbury [aged 15] were married. She the daughter of Henry Grey 1st Earl Stamford [aged 46] and Anne Cecil Countess Stamford [aged 49]. He the son of Thomas Bruce 1st Earl Elgin [aged 46] and Anne Chichester. They were fifth cousins.
Before 17th April 1648 [her brother-in-law] George Booth 1st Baron Delamer [aged 25] and [her sister] Elizabeth Grey Baroness Delamer [aged 26] were married. She the daughter of [her father] Henry Grey 1st Earl Stamford [aged 49] and [her mother] Anne Cecil Countess Stamford [aged 52].
On 31st December 1657 [her daughter] Mary Bruce was born to [her husband] Robert Bruce 2nd Earl Elgin 1st Earl Ailesbury [aged 31] and Diana Grey Countess Elgin and Ailesbury [aged 27]. She married after 22nd March 1678 William Walter 2nd Baronet, son of William Walter 1st Baronet, and had issue.
In 1658 [her daughter] Christian Bruce was born to [her husband] Robert Bruce 2nd Earl Elgin 1st Earl Ailesbury [aged 31] and Diana Grey Countess Elgin and Ailesbury [aged 28]. She married 9th June 1677 her half fourth cousin John Rolle and had issue.
Around 1660 [her daughter] Anne Bruce was born to [her husband] Robert Bruce 2nd Earl Elgin 1st Earl Ailesbury [aged 33] and Diana Grey Countess Elgin and Ailesbury [aged 30]. She married 1672 William Rich 2nd Baronet, son of Thomas Rich 1st Baronet, and had issue.
On 21st December 1663 [her father-in-law] Thomas Bruce 1st Earl Elgin [aged 64] died. His son [her husband] Robert [aged 37] succeeded 2nd Earl Elgin, 2nd Baron Bruce of Whorlton in Yorkshire. Diana Grey Countess Elgin and Ailesbury [aged 33] by marriage Countess Elgin.
Around 1664. Henri Gascar [aged 29]. Portrait of Diana Grey Countess Elgin and Ailesbury [aged 34].
Adam Murimuth's Continuation and Robert of Avesbury’s 'The Wonderful Deeds of King Edward III'
This volume brings together two of the most important contemporary chronicles for the reign of Edward III and the opening phases of the Hundred Years’ War. Written in Latin by English clerical observers, these texts provide a vivid and authoritative window into the political, diplomatic, and military history of fourteenth-century England and its continental ambitions. Adam Murimuth Continuatio's Chronicarum continues an earlier chronicle into the mid-fourteenth century, offering concise but valuable notices on royal policy, foreign relations, and ecclesiastical affairs. Its annalistic structure makes it especially useful for establishing chronology and tracing the development of events year by year. Complementing it, Robert of Avesbury’s De gestis mirabilibus regis Edwardi tertii is a rich documentary chronicle preserving letters, treaties, and official records alongside narrative passages. It is an indispensable source for understanding Edward III’s claim to the French crown, the conduct of war, and the mechanisms of medieval diplomacy. Together, these works offer scholars, students, and enthusiasts a reliable and unembellished account of a transformative period in English and European history. Essential for anyone interested in medieval chronicles, the Hundred Years’ War, or the reign of Edward III.
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On 18th March 1664 [her husband] Robert Bruce 2nd Earl Elgin 1st Earl Ailesbury [aged 37] was created 1st Earl Ailesbury, 1st Viscount Bruce of Ampthill in Bedfordshire, 1st Baron Bruce of Skelton in Yorkshire. Diana Grey Countess Elgin and Ailesbury [aged 34] by marriage Countess Ailesbury.
On 29th January 1666 [her son-in-law] Seymour Shirley 5th Baronet [aged 19] and Diana Bruce were married. She by marriage Lady Shirley of Staunton Harold in Leicestershire. She the daughter of Robert Bruce 2nd Earl Elgin 1st Earl Ailesbury [aged 39] and Diana Grey Countess Elgin and Ailesbury [aged 36]. They were sixth cousins.
On 10th November 1671 [her son-in-law] John Manners 1st Duke Rutland [aged 33] and Diana Bruce were married. She the daughter of Robert Bruce 2nd Earl Elgin 1st Earl Ailesbury [aged 45] and Diana Grey Countess Elgin and Ailesbury [aged 41]. He the son of John Manners 8th Earl of Rutland [aged 67] and Frances Montagu Countess Rutland. They were third cousin once removed.
In 1672 [her son-in-law] William Rich 2nd Baronet [aged 18] and Anne Bruce [aged 12] were married. She the daughter of Robert Bruce 2nd Earl Elgin 1st Earl Ailesbury [aged 45] and Diana Grey Countess Elgin and Ailesbury [aged 42].
On 15th July 1672 [her daughter] Diana Bruce died in childbirth. The child, named Robert, died the same day.
On 21st August 1673 [her father] Henry Grey 1st Earl Stamford [aged 74] died. His grandson Thomas [aged 19] succeeded 2nd Earl Stamford, 3rd Baron Grey of Groby.
On 24th November 1676 [her mother] Anne Cecil Countess Stamford [aged 80] died.
On 9th June 1677 [her son-in-law] John Rolle and Christian Bruce [aged 19] were married. She the daughter of Robert Bruce 2nd Earl Elgin 1st Earl Ailesbury [aged 51] and Diana Grey Countess Elgin and Ailesbury [aged 47]. They were half fourth cousins.
After 22nd March 1678 [her son-in-law] William Walter 2nd Baronet [aged 43] and Mary Bruce [aged 20] were married. The difference in their ages was 22 years. She the daughter of Robert Bruce 2nd Earl Elgin 1st Earl Ailesbury [aged 52] and Diana Grey Countess Elgin and Ailesbury [aged 48].
On 20th October 1685 [her husband] Robert Bruce 2nd Earl Elgin 1st Earl Ailesbury [aged 59] died. His son Thomas [aged 29] succeeded 3rd Earl Elgin, 2nd Earl Ailesbury, 2nd Viscount Bruce of Ampthill in Bedfordshire, 3rd Baron Bruce of Whorlton in Yorkshire, 2nd Baron Bruce of Skelton in Yorkshire. Elizabeth Seymour Countess Elgin and Ailesbury [aged 30] by marriage Countess Elgin, Countess Ailesbury.
The Deeds of the Dukes of Normandy
The Gesta Normannorum Ducum [The Deeds of the Dukes of Normandy] is a landmark medieval chronicle tracing the rise and fall of the Norman dynasty from its early roots through the pivotal events surrounding the Norman Conquest of England. Originally penned in Latin by the monk William of Jumièges shortly before 1060 and later expanded at the behest of William the Conqueror, the work chronicles the deeds, politics, battles, and leadership of the Norman dukes, especially William’s own claim to the English throne. The narrative combines earlier historical sources with firsthand information and oral testimony to present an authoritative account of Normandy’s transformation from a Viking settlement into one of medieval Europe’s most powerful realms. William’s history emphasizes the legitimacy, military prowess, and governance of the Norman line, framing their expansion, including the conquest of England, as both divinely sanctioned and noble in purpose. Later chroniclers such as Orderic Vitalis and Robert of Torigni continued the history, extending the coverage into the 12th century, providing broader context on ducal rule and its impact. Today this classic work remains a foundational source for understanding Norman identity, medieval statesmanship, and the historical forces that reshaped England and Western Europe between 800AD and 1100AD.
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On 8th April 1689 Diana Grey Countess Elgin and Ailesbury [aged 59] died.
[her daughter] Diana Bruce was born to Robert Bruce 2nd Earl Elgin 1st Earl Ailesbury and Diana Grey Countess Elgin and Ailesbury. She married (1) 29th January 1666 her sixth cousin Seymour Shirley 5th Baronet, son of Robert Shirley 4th Baronet and Catherine Okeover Lady Shirley, and had issue (2) 10th November 1671 her third cousin once removed John Manners 1st Duke Rutland, son of John Manners 8th Earl of Rutland and Frances Montagu Countess Rutland.
Kings Wessex: Great x 18 Grand Daughter of King Edmund "Ironside" I of England
Kings Gwynedd: Great x 15 Grand Daughter of Owain "Great" King Gwynedd
Kings Seisyllwg: Great x 21 Grand Daughter of Hywel "Dda aka Good" King Seisyllwg King Deheubarth
Kings Powys: Great x 16 Grand Daughter of Maredudd ap Bleddyn King Powys
Kings Godwinson: Great x 18 Grand Daughter of King Harold II of England
Kings England: Great x 8 Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Kings Scotland: Great x 17 Grand Daughter of King Duncan I of Scotland
Kings Franks: Great x 24 Grand Daughter of Charles "Charlemagne aka Great" King of the Franks King Lombardy Holy Roman Emperor
Kings France: Great x 19 Grand Daughter of Hugh I King of the Franks
Kings Duke Aquitaine: Great x 22 Grand Daughter of Ranulf I Duke Aquitaine
Great x 4 Grandfather: Thomas Grey 1st Marquess Dorset 
6 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: Thomas Grey 2nd Marquess Dorset 4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Cecily Bonville Marchioness Dorset 
3 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 2 Grandfather: John Grey 5 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Robert Wotton of Boughton Malherbe 
Great x 3 Grandmother: Margaret Wotton Marchioness Dorset
Great x 1 Grandfather: Henry Grey 1st Baron Grey of Groby 6 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Anthony Browne 
6 x Great Grand Son of King Henry III of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: Anthony Browne 4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Lucy Neville 
3 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 2 Grandmother: Mary Browne 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: John Gage
Great x 3 Grandmother: Alice Gage
Great x 4 Grandmother: Philippa Guildford
GrandFather: John Grey 7 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Thomas Windsor
Great x 3 Grandfather: Andrew Windsor 1st Baron Windsor
Great x 2 Grandfather: William Windsor 2nd Baron Windsor 8 x Great Grand Son of King Henry III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: William Blount 
11 x Great Grand Son of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Elizabeth Blount Baroness Windsor 7 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry III of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Margaret Echingham 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry III of England
Great x 1 Grandmother: Anne Windsor Baroness Grey Groby 9 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry III of England
Great x 2 Grandmother: Margaret Sambourne Baroness Windsor
Father: Henry Grey 1st Earl Stamford 7 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: George Neville 4th and 2nd Baron Abergavenny 2 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: Edward Neville 3 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Margaret Fenne Baroness Bergavenny
Great x 2 Grandfather: Edward Neville 4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Andrew Windsor 1st Baron Windsor
Great x 3 Grandmother: Eleanor Windsor Baroness Scrope Masham 8 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry III of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Blount Baroness Windsor 7 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry III of England
Great x 1 Grandfather: Edward Neville 1st Baron Abergavenny 5 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 2 Grandmother: Katherine Brome
GrandMother: Elizabeth Neville 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: John Lennard
Great x 2 Grandfather: John Lennard
Great x 1 Grandmother: Rachel Lennard Baroness Bergavenny
Great x 2 Grandmother: Elizabeth Hamon
Diana Grey Countess Elgin and Ailesbury 8 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: David Cecil 
Great x 3 Grandfather: Richard Cecil
Great x 4 Grandmother: Alice Dicons
Great x 2 Grandfather: William Cecil 1st Baron Burghley
Great x 4 Grandfather: William Heckington
Great x 3 Grandmother: Jane Heckington
Great x 1 Grandfather: Thomas Cecil 1st Earl Exeter
Great x 4 Grandfather: Robert Cheke
Great x 3 Grandfather: Peter Cheke
Great x 2 Grandmother: Mary Cheke
GrandFather: William Cecil 2nd Earl Exeter 7 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Richard Neville 2nd Baron Latimer of Snape 3 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: John Neville 3rd Baron Latimer 4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Anne Stafford Baroness Latimer 
13 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England
Great x 2 Grandfather: John Neville 4th Baron Latimer of Snape 5 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: George de Vere 
6 x Great Grand Son of King John of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Dorothy de Vere 7 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Margaret Stafford 8 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 1 Grandmother: Dorothy Neville Countess Exeter 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Charles Somerset 1st Earl of Worcester 
3 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: Henry Somerset 2nd Earl of Worcester 4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Herbert 3rd Baroness Herbert Raglan 
7 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry III of England
Great x 2 Grandmother: Lucy Somerset Baroness Latimer Snape 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Anthony Browne 6 x Great Grand Son of King Henry III of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Elizabeth Browne Countess of Worcester 4 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Lucy Neville 3 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Mother: Anne Cecil Countess Stamford 8 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Robert Drury
Great x 3 Grandfather: William Drury 8 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Anne Calthorpe 
7 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England
Great x 2 Grandfather: Robert Drury 9 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Henry Sothill
Great x 3 Grandmother: Elizabeth Sothill
Great x 4 Grandmother: Joan Empson
Great x 1 Grandfather: William Drury 10 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Richard Rich 
Great x 3 Grandfather: Richard Rich 1st Baron Rich
Great x 4 Grandmother: Joan Dinley
Great x 2 Grandmother: Audrey Rich
Great x 4 Grandfather: William Jenks
Great x 3 Grandmother: Elizabeth Jenks Baroness Rich
GrandMother: Elizabeth Drury Countess Exeter 7 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Humphrey Stafford 12 x Great Grand Son of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England
Great x 3 Grandfather: Humphrey Stafford 13 x Great Grand Son of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Catherine Fray
Great x 2 Grandfather: William Stafford 14 x Great Grand Son of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England
Great x 4 Grandfather: John Fogge
Great x 3 Grandmother: Margaret Fogge
Great x 4 Grandmother: Alice Haute
Great x 1 Grandmother: Elizabeth Stafford 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Edward Stafford 3rd Duke of Buckingham 4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: Henry Stafford 1st Baron Stafford 5 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Eleanor Percy Duchess Buckingham 4 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 2 Grandmother: Dorothy Stafford 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Richard Pole 
8 x Great Grand Son of King John of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Ursula Pole 4 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Margaret York aka Pole Countess of Salisbury 
3 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England