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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Around 1496 Edward Hall was born to [his father] John Hall of Northall Kynnersley Shropshire.
In 1514 Edward Hall (age 18) was admitted to King's College, Cambridge University [Map].
In 1518 Edward Hall (age 22) graduated Bachelor of Arts.
In 1521 Edward Hall (age 25) was a student at Gray's Inn.
On 22nd February 1528 [his father] John Hall of Northall Kynnersley Shropshire died.
In 1529 Edward Hall (age 33) was elected MP Much Wenlock.
In 1539 Edward Hall (age 43) was elected MP Much Wenlock.
In 1542 Edward Hall (age 46) was elected MP Bridgnorth.
In 1545 Edward Hall (age 49) was elected MP Bridgnorth.
Around 1546 Edward Hall (age 50) made his will in which he names his brother William Hall is named as executor.
Chronicle of Walter of Guisborough
A canon regular of the Augustinian Guisborough Priory, Yorkshire, formerly known as The Chronicle of Walter of Hemingburgh, describes the period from 1066 to 1346. Before 1274 the Chronicle is based on other works. Thereafter, the Chronicle is original, and a remarkable source for the events of the time. This book provides a translation of the Chronicle from that date. The Latin source for our translation is the 1849 work edited by Hans Claude Hamilton. Hamilton, in his preface, says: 'In the present work we behold perhaps one of the finest samples of our early chronicles, both as regards the value of the events recorded, and the correctness with which they are detailed; Nor will the pleasing style of composition be lightly passed over by those capable of seeing reflected from it the tokens of a vigorous and cultivated mind, and a favourable specimen of the learning and taste of the age in which it was framed.'
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Around May 1547 Edward Hall (age 51) died. He was buried in St Benet Sherehog Cordwainer Ward.
Chronicle of Edward Hall [1496-1548]. Or to give it its full name, The Union of the Two Noble and Illustre Families of Lancastre and Yorke, was first published in 1548. It was written by Edward Hall.