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.

Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.

Biography of Granville Leveson-Gower 1st Earl Granville 1773-1846

Paternal Family Tree: Gower

Maternal Family Tree: Catherine Cochrane Countess Galloway 1709-1786

In 1744 [his father] Granville Leveson-Gower 1st Marquess Stafford [aged 22] and Elizabeth Fazakerley were married. He the son of [his grandfather] John Leveson-Gower 1st Earl Gower [aged 49] and [his grandmother] Evelyn Pierrepont Baroness Gower.

In 1748 [his father] Granville Leveson-Gower 1st Marquess Stafford [aged 26] and Louisa Egerton Countess Gower [aged 24] were married. She the daughter of Scroop Egerton 1st Duke Bridgewater and Rachel Russell Duchess Bridgewater [aged 41]. He the son of [his grandfather] John Leveson-Gower 1st Earl Gower [aged 53] and [his grandmother] Evelyn Pierrepont Baroness Gower. They were fifth cousins.

In 1768 [his father] Granville Leveson-Gower 1st Marquess Stafford [aged 46] and [his mother] Susanna Stewart Marchioness Stafford were married. She by marriage Countess Gower. She the daughter of [his grandfather] Alexander Stewart 6th Earl Galloway [aged 74] and [his grandmother] Catherine Cochrane Countess Galloway [aged 59]. He the son of John Leveson-Gower 1st Earl Gower and Evelyn Pierrepont Baroness Gower.

On 12th October 1773 Granville Leveson-Gower 1st Earl Granville was born to Granville Leveson-Gower 1st Marquess Stafford [aged 52] and Susanna Stewart Marchioness Stafford.

On 4th September 1785 [his half-brother] George Granville Leveson-Gower 1st Duke Sutherland [aged 27] and [his sister-in-law] Elizabeth Sutherland Duchess Sutherland 19th Countess Sutherland [aged 20] were married. He by marriage Earl Sutherland. She the daughter of William Sutherland 18th Earl Sutherland. He the son of [his father] Granville Leveson-Gower 1st Marquess Stafford [aged 64] and Louisa Egerton Countess Gower.

In 1786 [his father] Granville Leveson-Gower 1st Marquess Stafford [aged 64] was created 1st Marquess Stafford. [his mother] Susanna Stewart Marchioness Stafford by marriage Marchioness Stafford.

In April 1789 Granville Leveson-Gower 1st Earl Granville [aged 15] was educated at Christ Church College, Oxford University.

On 16th May 1791 [his brother-in-law] Henry Charles Somerset 6th Duke Beaufort [aged 24] and [his sister] Charlotte Sophia Leveson-Gower Duchess Beaufort [aged 20] were married at St Mary at Lambeth Church, Surrey [Map]. She the daughter of [his father] Granville Leveson-Gower 1st Marquess Stafford [aged 69] and [his mother] Susanna Stewart Marchioness Stafford. He the son of Henry Somerset 5th Duke Beaufort [aged 46] and Elizabeth Boscawen Duchess Beaufort [aged 43]. They were half fourth cousin once removed.

In 1795 [his brother-in-law] Dudley Ryder 1st Earl of Harrowby [aged 32] and [his sister] Susanna Leveson-Gower Countess Harrowby Lincolnshire [aged 22] were married. She the daughter of [his father] Granville Leveson-Gower 1st Marquess Stafford [aged 73] and [his mother] Susanna Stewart Marchioness Stafford.

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.'

Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.

In 1795 Granville Leveson-Gower 1st Earl Granville [aged 21] was elected MP Lichfield.

In 1799 Granville Leveson-Gower 1st Earl Granville [aged 25] was elected MP Staffordshire.

On 17th August 1800 [his illegitimate daughter] Harriet Emma Arundel Stewart was born illegitimately to Granville Leveson-Gower 1st Earl Granville [aged 26] and Henrietta Frances Spencer Countess Bessborough [aged 39]. She was born in secret and sent to be raised by a foster mother.

On 20th June 1803 Nathaniel Ryder 1st Baron Harrowby [aged 67] died. His son [his brother-in-law] Dudley [aged 40] succeeded 2nd Baron Harrowby of Harrowby in Lincolnshire. [his sister] Susanna Leveson-Gower Countess Harrowby Lincolnshire [aged 30] by marriage Baroness Harrowby of Harrowby in Lincolnshire.

On 11th October 1803 Henry Somerset 5th Duke Beaufort [aged 58] died. He was buried at St Michael and all Angels Church, Badminton. His son [his brother-in-law] Henry [aged 36] succeeded 6th Duke Beaufort, 8th Marquess Worcester, 12th Earl Worcester, 14th Baron Herbert of Raglan, 6th Baron Botetort. [his sister] Charlotte Sophia Leveson-Gower Duchess Beaufort [aged 32] by marriage Duchess Beaufort.

On 26th October 1803 [his father] Granville Leveson-Gower 1st Marquess Stafford [aged 82] died. His son [his half-brother] George [aged 45] succeeded 2nd Marquess Stafford, 3rd Earl Gower, 4th Baron Gower, 8th Baronet Gower of Stittenham in Yorkshire. [his sister-in-law] Elizabeth Sutherland Duchess Sutherland 19th Countess Sutherland [aged 38] by marriage Marchioness Stafford.

Between 1804 and 1809. Thomas Lawrence [aged 34]. Portrait of Granville Leveson-Gower 1st Earl Granville [aged 30].

In 1805 [his mother] Susanna Stewart Marchioness Stafford died.

In 1809 [his brother-in-law] Dudley Ryder 1st Earl of Harrowby [aged 46] was created 1st Earl of Harrowby. [his sister] Susanna Leveson-Gower Countess Harrowby Lincolnshire [aged 36] by marriage Countess of Harrowby.

On 24th December 1809 Granville Leveson-Gower 1st Earl Granville [aged 36] and Harriet Cavendish Countess Granville [aged 24] were married. She the daughter of William Cavendish 5th Duke Devonshire [aged 61] and Georgiana Spencer Duchess Devonshire. He the son of Granville Leveson-Gower 1st Marquess Stafford and Susanna Stewart Marchioness Stafford. They were half fourth cousin once removed.

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.

Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.

In 1810 [his daughter] Susan Georgiana Leveson-Gower Baroness Rivers was born to Granville Leveson-Gower 1st Earl Granville [aged 36] and [his wife] Harriet Cavendish Countess Granville [aged 24]. She married 2nd February 1833 George Pitt-Rivers 4th Baron Rivers, son of Horace Beckford aka Pitt-Rivers 3rd Baron Rivers and Frances Rigby, and had issue.

On 29th July 1811 [his father-in-law] William Cavendish 5th Duke Devonshire [aged 63] died. His son [his brother-in-law] William [aged 21] succeeded 6th Duke Devonshire, 9th Earl Devonshire, 9th Baron Cavendish Hardwick, 8th Baron Clifford.

In August 1812 [his illegitimate daughter] Harriet Emma Arundel Stewart [aged 11] joined her father's [aged 38] household in Staffordshire.

On 11th May 1815 [his son] Granville Leveson-Gower 2nd Earl Granville was born to Granville Leveson-Gower 1st Earl Granville [aged 41] and [his wife] Harriet Cavendish Countess Granville [aged 29]. He married (1) 1840 Marie Louise Pelline de Dalberg Lady Acton (2) 26th September 1865 his half third cousin twice removed Sophia Castila Rosamund Campbell Countess Granville and had issue.

On 12th August 1815 Granville Leveson-Gower 1st Earl Granville [aged 41] was created 1st Viscount Granville. [his wife] Harriet Cavendish Countess Granville [aged 29] by marriage Viscountess Granville.

On 3rd May 1819 [his son] Edward Frederick Leveson-Gower was born to Granville Leveson-Gower 1st Earl Granville [aged 45] and [his wife] Harriet Cavendish Countess Granville [aged 33]. He married 1st June 1851 his half fifth cousin once removed Margaret Compton, daughter of Spencer Compton 2nd Marquess Northampton and Margaret Douglas-Maclean-Clephane Marchioness Northampton, and had issue.

On 27th January 1824 [his half-sister] Margaret Caroline Leveson-Gower Countess Carlisle died.

On 21st October 1824 [his son-in-law] George Godolphin Osborne 8th Duke Leeds [aged 22] and [his illegitimate daughter] Harriet Emma Arundel Stewart [aged 24] were married at the British Embassy, Paris. She the illegitmate daughter of Granville Leveson-Gower 1st Earl Granville [aged 51] and Henrietta Frances Spencer Countess Bessborough. They were fourth cousins.

On 4th September 1825 [his former brother-in-law] Frederick Howard 5th Earl Carlisle [aged 77] died. His son [his nephew] George [aged 51] succeeded 6th Earl Carlisle. [his sister-in-law] Georgiana Cavendish Countess Carlisle [aged 42] by marriage Countess Carlisle.

On 2nd February 1833 [his son-in-law] George Pitt-Rivers 4th Baron Rivers [aged 22] and Susan Georgiana Leveson-Gower Baroness Rivers [aged 23] were married at British Embassy, Paris. She by marriage Baroness Rivers of Stratfield Saye in Hampshire. She the daughter of Granville Leveson-Gower 1st Earl Granville [aged 59] and Harriet Cavendish Countess Granville [aged 47].

On 10th May 1833 Granville Leveson-Gower 1st Earl Granville [aged 59] was created 1st Earl Granville. [his wife] Harriet Cavendish Countess Granville [aged 47] by marriage Countess Granville.

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.

Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.

On 19th July 1833 [his half-brother] George Granville Leveson-Gower 1st Duke Sutherland [aged 75] died. His son [his nephew] George [aged 46] succeeded 2nd Duke Sutherland, 3rd Marquess Stafford, 20th Earl Sutherland, 4th Earl Gower, 5th Baron Gower, 9th Baronet Gower of Stittenham in Yorkshire. Harriet Elizabeth Georgiana Howard Duchess Sutherland [aged 27] by marriage Duchess Sutherland.

On 26th May 1838 [his sister] Susanna Leveson-Gower Countess Harrowby Lincolnshire [aged 65] died.

In 1840 Granville Leveson-Gower 2nd Earl Granville [aged 24] and Marie Louise Pelline de Dalberg Lady Acton [aged 27] were married. He the son of Granville Leveson-Gower 1st Earl Granville [aged 66] and Harriet Cavendish Countess Granville [aged 54].

On 8th January 1846 Granville Leveson-Gower 1st Earl Granville [aged 72] died. His son Granville [aged 30] succeeded 2nd Earl Granville, 2nd Viscount Granville. Marie Louise Pelline de Dalberg Lady Acton [aged 33] by marriage Countess Granville.

On 25th November 1862 [his former wife] Harriet Cavendish Countess Granville [aged 77] died.

[his son] George Leveson Gower was born to Granville Leveson-Gower 1st Earl Granville and Henrietta Frances Spencer Countess Bessborough.

[his daughter] Georgiana Leveson-Gower was born to Granville Leveson-Gower 1st Earl Granville and Harriet Cavendish Countess Granville. She married Alexander Fullerton.

Granville Leveson-Gower 1st Earl Granville 1773-1846 appears on the following Descendants Family Trees:

Royal Ancestors of Granville Leveson-Gower 1st Earl Granville 1773-1846

Kings Wessex: Great x 21 Grand Son of King Edmund "Ironside" I of England

Kings Gwynedd: Great x 18 Grand Son of Owain "Great" King Gwynedd

Kings Seisyllwg: Great x 24 Grand Son of Hywel "Dda aka Good" King Seisyllwg King Deheubarth

Kings Powys: Great x 19 Grand Son of Maredudd ap Bleddyn King Powys

Kings Godwinson: Great x 21 Grand Son of King Harold II of England

Kings England: Great x 11 Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Kings Scotland: Great x 20 Grand Son of King Duncan I of Scotland

Kings Franks: Great x 27 Grand Son of Charles "Charlemagne aka Great" King of the Franks King Lombardy Holy Roman Emperor

Kings France: Great x 17 Grand Son of Philip V King France I King Navarre

Kings Duke Aquitaine: Great x 25 Grand Son of Ranulf I Duke Aquitaine

Ancestors of Granville Leveson-Gower 1st Earl Granville 1773-1846

Great x 4 Grandfather: Thomas Gower 1st Baronet

Great x 3 Grandfather: Thomas Gower 2nd Baronet

Great x 4 Grandmother: Anne Doyley Baroness Gower

Great x 2 Grandfather: William Leveson-Gower 4th Baronet 11 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: John Leveson

Great x 3 Grandmother: Frances Leveson Baroness Gower 10 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Christian Mildmay 9 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England

Great x 1 Grandfather: John Leveson-Gower 1st Baron Gower 12 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Bevil Grenville

Great x 3 Grandfather: John Granville 1st Earl Bath

Great x 4 Grandmother: Grace Smith

Great x 2 Grandmother: Jane Granville Baroness Gower

Great x 4 Grandfather: Peter Wyche

Great x 3 Grandmother: Jane Wyche

GrandFather: John Leveson-Gower 1st Earl Gower 10 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: George Manners 6 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: John Manners 8th Earl of Rutland 7 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Grace Pierrepont 9 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England

Great x 2 Grandfather: John Manners 1st Duke Rutland 8 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Edward Montagu 1st Baron Montagu 9 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England

Great x 3 Grandmother: Frances Montagu Countess Rutland 10 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Frances Cotton 12 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England

Great x 1 Grandmother: Catherine Manners Baroness Gower 9 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Edward Noel 2nd Viscount Campden

Great x 3 Grandfather: Baptist Noel 3rd Viscount Campden

Great x 4 Grandmother: Juliana Hicks Viscountess Campden

Great x 2 Grandmother: Catherine Noel Duchess Rutland 11 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Montagu Bertie 2nd Earl Lindsey 9 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England

Great x 3 Grandmother: Elizabeth Bertie Viscountess Campden 10 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Martha Cockayne Countess Holderness

Father: Granville Leveson-Gower 1st Marquess Stafford 10 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Robert Pierrepont 1st Earl Kingston 9 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: William Pierrepont of Thoresby 8 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Gertrude Talbot Baroness Pierrepont Holme Pierrepoint 7 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 2 Grandfather: Robert Pierrepont 9 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Thomas Harries aka Harris 1st Baronet

Great x 3 Grandmother: Elizabeth Harries aka Harris

Great x 4 Grandmother: Eleanor Gifford

Great x 1 Grandfather: Evelyn Pierrepont 1st Duke Kingston upon Hull 10 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: George Evelyn of West Dean

Great x 3 Grandfather: John Evelyn of Wiltshire

Great x 2 Grandmother: Elizabeth Evelyn

Great x 4 Grandfather: Robert Coxe

Great x 3 Grandmother: Elizabeth Coxe

GrandMother: Evelyn Pierrepont Baroness Gower 9 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: William Feilding 1st Earl Denbigh

Great x 3 Grandfather: George Feilding 1st Earl Desmond 9 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Susan Villiers Countess Denbigh 8 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 2 Grandfather: William Feilding 2nd Earl Desmond 3rd Earl Denbigh 7 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Michael Stanhope 5 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 3 Grandmother: Bridget Stanhope Countess Desmond 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Read

Great x 1 Grandmother: Mary Fielding Countess Kingston upon Hull 8 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Robert Carey 1st Earl Monmouth 6 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: Henry Carey 2nd Earl Monmouth 7 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Trevannion Countess Monmouth

Great x 2 Grandmother: Mary Carey Countess Desmond and Denbigh 8 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Lionel Cranfield 1st Earl Middlesex

Great x 3 Grandmother: Martha Cranfield Countess Monmouth

Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Sheppard

Granville Leveson-Gower 1st Earl Granville 11 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Alexander Stewart 1st Earl Galloway

Great x 3 Grandfather: James Stewart 2nd Earl Galloway

Great x 2 Grandfather: Alexander Stewart 3rd Earl Galloway

Great x 1 Grandfather: James Stewart 5th Earl Galloway 10 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: William Douglas 1st Earl Queensberry 7 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: James Douglas 2nd Earl Queensberry 8 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Isabel Kerr Countess Queensberry 13 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England

Great x 2 Grandmother: Mary Douglas Countess Galloway 9 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: John Stewart 1st Earl Traquair 7 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 3 Grandmother: Margaret Stewart Countess Queensberry 8 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Catherine Carnegie Countess Traquair

GrandFather: Alexander Stewart 6th Earl Galloway 11 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Hugh Montgomerie 7th Earl Eglinton 8 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: Alexander Montgomerie 8th Earl Eglinton 9 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Mary Leslie Countess of Eglinton 8 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 2 Grandfather: Alexander Montgomerie 9th Earl Eglinton 10 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: William Crichton 2nd Earl of Dumfries

Great x 3 Grandmother: Elizabeth Crichton

Great x 1 Grandmother: Catherine Montgomerie Countess Galloway 11 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: William Cochrane 1st Earl Dundonald

Great x 2 Grandmother: Margaret Cochrane

Mother: Susanna Stewart Marchioness Stafford 12 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: William Cochrane 1st Earl Dundonald

Great x 3 Grandfather: William Cochrane

Great x 2 Grandfather: John Cochrane 2nd Earl Dundonald 10 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: John Kennedy 6th Earl Cassilis 8 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 3 Grandmother: Catherine Kennedy 9 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Jean Hamilton Countess Cassilis

Great x 1 Grandfather: John Cochrane 4th Earl Dundonald 11 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

GrandMother: Catherine Cochrane Countess Galloway 12 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England