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: Byng
On 27th January 1663 George Byng 1st Viscount Torrington was born.
On 25th May 1699 [his son] Pattee Byng 2nd Viscount Torrington was born to George Byng 1st Viscount Torrington (age 36). He married 11th June 1724 Charlotte Montagu Viscountess Torrington, daughter of Charles Montagu 1st Duke Manchester and Doddington Greville Duchess Manchester, and had issue.
On 21st September 1701 [his son] George Byng 3rd Viscount Torrington was born to George Byng 1st Viscount Torrington (age 38).
In 1703 [his son] Robert Byng was born to George Byng 1st Viscount Torrington (age 39).
Before 29th October 1704 [his son] Admiral John Byng was born to George Byng 1st Viscount Torrington (age 41).
11th August 1718. The Battle of Cape Passaro, aka the Battle of Avola and the Battle of Syracuse, was a major naval battle fought on between a fleet of the British Royal Navy under Admiral Sir George Byng (age 55) and a fleet of the Spanish Navy under Rear-Admiral Antonio de Gaztañeta. The British fleet secured a decisive victory.
Calendar of Treasury Warrants 1718 Sep. 2nd September 1718. Royal sign manual for 1,000l. to Paty Byng, Esq.: without account: as a mark of royal favour in consideration of his service in bringing letters from our Admiral Sir George Byng (age 55) with a particular account of the engagement [1718 Battle of Cape Passaro] with the Spanish Fleet off Cape Passaro the 31st July last. (Money warrant dated Sept. 3 hereon.) (Money order dated Sept. 3 hereon.) (Letter of direction dated Sept. 5 hereon.) King's Warrant Book XXIX, p. 104. Order Book X, p. 157. Disposition Book XXIV, p. 147.
On 21st September 1721 George Byng 1st Viscount Torrington (age 58) was created 1st Viscount Torrington.
On 11th June 1724 [his son] Pattee Byng 2nd Viscount Torrington (age 25) and [his daughter-in-law] Charlotte Montagu Viscountess Torrington (age 19) were married. She the daughter of Charles Montagu 1st Duke Manchester and Doddington Greville Duchess Manchester.
Around 1725. Jeremiah Davison (age 30). Portrait of George Byng 1st Viscount Torrington (age 61).
Before 17th January 1733. Joseph Highmore (age 40). Portrait of George Byng 1st Viscount Torrington (age 69).
The History of William Marshal was commissioned by his son shortly after William’s death in 1219 to celebrate the Marshal’s remarkable life; it is an authentic, contemporary voice. The manuscript was discovered in 1861 by French historian Paul Meyer. Meyer published the manuscript in its original Anglo-French in 1891 in two books. This book is a line by line translation of the first of Meyer’s books; lines 1-10152. Book 1 of the History begins in 1139 and ends in 1194. It describes the events of the Anarchy, the role of William’s father John, John’s marriages, William’s childhood, his role as a hostage at the siege of Newbury, his injury and imprisonment in Poitou where he met Eleanor of Aquitaine and his life as a knight errant. It continues with the accusation against him of an improper relationship with Margaret, wife of Henry the Young King, his exile, and return, the death of Henry the Young King, the rebellion of Richard, the future King Richard I, war with France, the death of King Henry II, and the capture of King Richard, and the rebellion of John, the future King John. It ends with the release of King Richard and the death of John Marshal.
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On 17th January 1733 George Byng 1st Viscount Torrington (age 69) died. His son Pattee (age 33) succeeded 2nd Viscount Torrington. [his daughter-in-law] Charlotte Montagu Viscountess Torrington (age 28) by marriage Viscountess Torrington.