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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Edith Joan Clarke Baroness Renwick was born to [her father] Reginald Clarke.
On 10th June 1929 [her future husband] Robert Renwick 1st Baron Renwick (age 24) and Dorothy Mary Parkes were married.
In 1931 Edwin John Spencer (age 70) died. His estate of £307,968-14-11 was inherited by his son [her husband] Major John Ogilvie Spencer (age 25).
In 1931 Major John Ogilvie Spencer (age 25) and Edith Joan Clarke Baroness Renwick were married at St George's Church, Hanover Square.
On 7th January 1932 Harry Bennedetto Renwick 1st Baronet (age 70) died. His son [her future husband] Robert (age 27) succeeded 2nd Baronet Renwick of Coombe in Surrey.
In October 1937 [her husband] Major John Ogilvie Spencer (age 32) and Edith Joan Clarke Baroness Renwick went on holiday to Jamaica, giving their address as 43 Clarges Street, London W.
On 9th September 1944 [her husband] Major John Ogilvie Spencer (age 39) was killed in action. He was buried at the Leopoldsburg War Cemetery Plot IV. A. 11. From 6 September until 12 September, Hechtel was the scene of heavy fighting between the Guards Armoured Division and General Student's 1st Falschirmarmee who were sent to reinforce the front between Geel and Hasselt. During the battle, 127 Germans, 623 British soldiers and 35 civilians lost their lives.
Before 28th July 1953 [her future husband] Robert Renwick 1st Baron Renwick (age 48) and Dorothy Mary Parkes were divorced.
Anne Boleyn. Her Life as told by Lancelot de Carle's 1536 Letter.
In 1536, two weeks after the execution of Anne Boleyn, her brother George and four others, Lancelot du Carle, wrote an extraordinary letter that described Anne's life, and her trial and execution, to which he was a witness. This book presents a new translation of that letter, with additional material from other contemporary sources such as Letters, Hall's and Wriothesley's Chronicles, the pamphlets of Wynkyn the Worde, the Memorial of George Constantyne, the Portuguese Letter and the Baga de Secrets, all of which are provided in Appendices.
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On 28th July 1953 Robert Renwick 1st Baron Renwick (age 48) and Edith Joan Clarke Baroness Renwick were married.
The London Gazette 43524. 23rd December 1964. The QUEEN has been pleased by Letters Patent under the Great Seal of the Realm, bearing date the 23rd day of December 1964, to confer the dignity of a Barony of the United Kingdom upon Sir [her husband] Robert Burnham Renwick (age 60), Baronet, K.B.E., and the heirs male of his body lawfully begotten, by the name, style and title of Baron Renwick, of Coombe in the County of Surrey. [Edith Joan Clarke Baroness Renwick by marriage Baroness Renwick of Coombe in Surrey.]
On 30th August 1973 [her husband] Robert Renwick 1st Baron Renwick (age 68) died. His son [her step-son] Harry (age 37) succeeded 2nd Baron Renwick of Coombe in Surrey, 3rd Baronet Renwick of Coombe in Surrey.
On 6th November 1994 Edith Joan Clarke Baroness Renwick died.