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: Berkeley
Maternal Family Tree: Elizabeth Bettershorne 1353-1427
Before 16th March 1367 [her father] John Berkeley [aged 15] and Eleanor Assheton [aged 21] were married.
Before 13th October 1374 [her father] John Berkeley [aged 22] and [her mother] Elizabeth Bettershorne [aged 21] were married.
Around 1382 Eleanor Berkeley Countess Arundel was born to [her father] John Berkeley [aged 29] and [her mother] Elizabeth Bettershorne [aged 29].
On 14th August 1390 John Fitzalan Baron Maltravers 2nd Baron Arundel [aged 25] died. He was buried at Missenden Abbey [Map]. His son [her future husband] John [aged 5] succeeded 3rd Baron Arundel.
Before 1405 [her future husband] Walter Hungerford 1st Baron Hungerford [aged 26] and Eleanor or Catherine Peverell were married.
On 12th January 1405 Eleanor Maltravers 2nd Baroness Maltravers Baroness Arundel and Cobham [aged 60] died at Sussex. She was buried at Lewes Priory [Map]. Her grandson [her future husband] John [aged 19] succeeded 3rd Baron Maltravers.
Before 1407 John Fitzalan 6th or 13th Earl of Arundel [aged 21] and Eleanor Berkeley Countess Arundel [aged 24] were married. They were second cousin twice removed. He a great x 4 grandson of King Henry III of England. She a great x 5 granddaughter of King John of England.
On 14th February 1408 [her son] John Fitzalan 7th or 14th Earl of Arundel was born to [her husband] John Fitzalan 6th or 13th Earl of Arundel [aged 22] and Eleanor Berkeley Countess Arundel [aged 26] at Lytchett Maltravers, Dorset. He married (1) before 1427 his third cousin once removed Constance Cornwall Countess of Arundel, daughter of John Cornwall 1st Baron Fanhope 1st Baron Milbroke and Elizabeth Lancaster Duchess Exeter (2) 1429 his fourth cousin once removed Maud Lovell Countess Arundel and had issue.
On 13th October 1415 Thomas Fitzalan 10th Earl of Surrey 5th or 12th Earl of Arundel [aged 34] died. His first cousin once removed [her husband] John [aged 30] succeeded 5th or 13th Earl Arundel. Eleanor Berkeley Countess Arundel [aged 33] by marriage Countess Arundel. Earl Surrey extinct.
25th October 1415At the Battle of Agincourt the English included: Louis Robbessart [aged 25], Richard Beauchamp 13th Earl Warwick [aged 33], William Botreaux 3rd Baron Botreaux [aged 26], William Bourchier 1st Count of Eu [aged 41], Thomas Rokeby [aged 35], John Cornwall 1st Baron Fanhope 1st Baron Milbroke [aged 51], Edward Courtenay [aged 30], Ralph Cromwell 3rd Baron Cromwell [aged 12], Thomas Dutton [aged 19], Edmund Ferrers 6th Baron Ferrers of Chartley [aged 29], Roger Fiennes [aged 31], Henry Fitzhugh 3rd Baron Fitzhugh [aged 57], John Grey [aged 28], John Grey 1st Earl Tankerville [aged 31], William Harrington [aged 42] as the King's Standard Bearer, [her future husband] Walter Hungerford 1st Baron Hungerford [aged 37], Piers Legh [aged 26] (wounded), Alfred Longford, Thomas Montagu 1st Count Perche 4th Earl Salisbury [aged 27], Thomas Morley 6th Baron Marshal 5th Baron Morley [aged 22], John Rodney, Richard Scrope 3rd Baron Scrope of Bolton [aged 22], Robert Strelley [aged 18], James Tuchet 5th Baron Audley, 2nd Baron Tuchet [aged 17], Robert Umfraville [aged 52], Thomas West 2nd Baron West [aged 35], Robert Willoughby 6th Baron Willoughby [aged 30]. Thomas Erpingham [aged 60] commanded the archers. Thomas Rempston [aged 26] was present. Thomas Strickland [aged 48] carried the Banner of St George.
Thomas Tunstall [aged 57] was killed.
The Welsh included: William ap Thomas "Blue Knight of Gwent" Herbert [aged 35], Walter Sais [aged 95], Roger Vaughan [aged 70] and his son Roger Vaughan [aged 5]. Owen Tudor [aged 15] is believed to have been present as a squire.
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 23rd November 1417 [her son] William Fitzalan 9th or 16th Earl of Arundel was born to [her husband] John Fitzalan 6th or 13th Earl of Arundel [aged 32] and Eleanor Berkeley Countess Arundel [aged 35]. He married before 1450 his third cousin Joan Neville Countess Arundel, daughter of Richard Neville Earl Salisbury and Alice Montagu 5th Countess of Salisbury, and had issue.
Around April 1421 Richard Poynings [aged 21] and Eleanor Berkeley Countess Arundel [aged 39] were married at Beverstone, Tetbury. They were fourth cousin twice removed. He a great x 5 grandson of King Edward I of England. She a great x 5 granddaughter of King John of England.
On 21st April 1421 [her husband] John Fitzalan 6th or 13th Earl of Arundel [aged 35] died. His son John [aged 13] succeeded 6th or 14th Earl Arundel, 4th Baron Maltravers, 4th Baron Arundel. Constance Cornwall Countess of Arundel by marriage Countess Arundel.
Around 1422 [her daughter] Eleanor Poynings Countess Northumberland was born to [her husband] Richard Poynings [aged 22] and Eleanor Berkeley Countess Arundel [aged 40]. She married before 1449 her fifth cousin Henry Percy 3rd Earl of Northumberland, son of Henry Percy 2nd Earl of Northumberland and Eleanor Neville Countess Northumberland, and had issue.
Around 1425 Walter Hungerford 1st Baron Hungerford [aged 46] and Eleanor Berkeley Countess Arundel [aged 43] were married.
On 7th January 1426 [her husband] Walter Hungerford 1st Baron Hungerford [aged 47] was created 1st Baron Hungerford. Eleanor Berkeley Countess Arundel [aged 44] by marriage Baroness Hungerford.
Before 1427 John Fitzalan 7th or 14th Earl of Arundel [aged 18] and Constance Cornwall Countess of Arundel were married. There is some uncertainty as to whether they did marry; they were betrothed as children. She the daughter of John Cornwall 1st Baron Fanhope 1st Baron Milbroke [aged 62] and Elizabeth Lancaster Duchess Exeter. He the son of John Fitzalan 6th or 13th Earl of Arundel and Eleanor Berkeley Countess Arundel [aged 44]. They were third cousin once removed. He a great x 5 grandson of King Henry III of England. She a great granddaughter of King Edward III of England.
Before 8th June 1427 [her mother] Elizabeth Bettershorne [aged 74] died.
On 5th March 1428 [her father] John Berkeley [aged 76] died.
In 1429 John Fitzalan 7th or 14th Earl of Arundel [aged 20] and Maud Lovell Countess Arundel were married. She by marriage Countess Arundel. He the son of John Fitzalan 6th or 13th Earl of Arundel and Eleanor Berkeley Countess Arundel [aged 47]. They were fourth cousin once removed. He a great x 5 grandson of King Henry III of England.
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 10th June 1429 [her husband] Richard Poynings [aged 29] was killed at Orléans.
On 9th May 1435 a French force commanded by Étienne Vignolles "La Hire" heavily defeated an English force commanded by John Fitzalan 7th or 14th Earl of Arundel [aged 27] at the Battle of Gerberoy.
On 12th June 1435 John Fitzalan 7th or 14th Earl of Arundel was captured and died from wounds received at the battle. His son Humphrey [aged 6] succeeded 8th ot 15th Earl Arundel, 5th Baron Maltravers, 5th Baron Arundel.
Richard Woodville 1st Earl Rivers [aged 30] fought.
Before 1449 [her son-in-law] Henry Percy 3rd Earl of Northumberland [aged 27] and Eleanor Poynings Countess Northumberland [aged 26] were married. She the daughter of Richard Poynings and Eleanor Berkeley Countess Arundel [aged 66]. He the son of Henry Percy 2nd Earl of Northumberland [aged 55] and Eleanor Neville Countess Northumberland [aged 51]. They were fifth cousins. He a great x 2 grandson of King Edward III of England.
Before 4th August 1449 [her step-son] Walter Hungerford [aged 41] died.
On 9th August 1449 [her husband] Walter Hungerford 1st Baron Hungerford [aged 71] died at Salisbury. He was buried at the Hungerford Chapel at Salisbury Cathedral [Map]. His son [her step-son] Robert [aged 49] succeeded 2nd Baron Hungerford. Margaret Botreaux 4th Baroness Botreaux Baroness Hungerford by marriage Baroness Hungerford.
Before 1450 William Fitzalan 9th or 16th Earl of Arundel [aged 32] and Joan Neville Countess Arundel [aged 26] were married. She by marriage Countess Arundel. She the daughter of Richard Neville Earl Salisbury [aged 49] and Alice Montagu 5th Countess of Salisbury [aged 42]. He the son of John Fitzalan 6th or 13th Earl of Arundel and Eleanor Berkeley Countess Arundel [aged 67]. They were third cousins. He a great x 5 grandson of King Henry III of England. She a great x 2 granddaughter of King Edward III of England.
On 1st August 1455 Eleanor Berkeley Countess Arundel [aged 73] died.
Kings Wessex: Great x 11 Grand Daughter of King Edmund "Ironside" I of England
Kings Gwynedd: Great x 12 Grand Daughter of Maredudd ab Owain King Deheubarth King Powys King Gwynedd
Kings Seisyllwg: Great x 14 Grand Daughter of Hywel "Dda aka Good" King Seisyllwg King Deheubarth
Kings Powys: Great x 12 Grand Daughter of Maredudd ab Owain King Deheubarth King Powys King Gwynedd
Kings England: Great x 5 Grand Daughter of King John of England
Kings Scotland: Great x 10 Grand Daughter of King Duncan I of Scotland
Kings Franks: Great x 18 Grand Daughter of Charles "Charlemagne aka Great" King of the Franks King Lombardy Holy Roman Emperor
Kings France: Great x 12 Grand Daughter of Hugh I King of the Franks
Kings Duke Aquitaine: Great x 15 Grand Daughter of Ranulf I Duke Aquitaine
Great x 4 Grandfather: Thomas Berkeley 4th Baron Berkeley 
Great x 3 Grandfather: Maurice Berkeley 5th Baron Berkeley
Great x 4 Grandmother: Joan Somery Baroness Berkeley
Great x 2 Grandfather: Thomas Berkeley 6th and 1st Baron Berkeley Great Grand Son of King John of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Richard Fitzroy 
Son of King John of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Isabella Plantagenet Baroness Berkeley Grand Daughter of King John of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Rohese de Dover
Great x 1 Grandfather: Maurice Berkeley 7th and 2nd Baron Berkeley 2 x Great Grand Son of King John of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: William Ferrers 4th Earl of Derby 
Great x 3 Grandfather: William Ferrers 5th Earl of Derby 3 x Great Grand Son of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Agnes Gernon Countess Derby 2 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England
Great x 2 Grandmother: Joan Ferrers Baroness Berkeley 4 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Roger de Quincy 2nd Earl Winchester
Great x 3 Grandmother: Margaret Quincy Countess Derby 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Helen Galloway Countess Winchester 4 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England
GrandFather: Thomas Berkeley 8th and 3rd Baron Berkeley 3 x Great Grand Son of King John of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Alain Zouche 
Great x 3 Grandfather: Roger Zouche
Great x 4 Grandmother: Adelicia Belmeis
Great x 2 Grandfather: Eudo Zouche
Great x 3 Grandmother: Margaret Bisset
Great x 1 Grandmother: Eva Zouche
Great x 4 Grandfather: William Cantilupe 
Great x 3 Grandfather: William Cantilupe
Great x 2 Grandmother: Millicent Cantilupe
Great x 4 Grandfather: William de Braose 9th Baron Abergavenny 7th Baron Bramber 
Great x 3 Grandmother: Eva de Braose
Great x 4 Grandmother: Eva Marshal 
Father: John Berkeley 4 x Great Grand Son of King John of England
Great x 1 Grandfather: John Clivedon
GrandMother: Katherine Clivedon Baroness Berkeley
Eleanor Berkeley Countess Arundel 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England
Mother: Elizabeth Bettershorne