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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James Thomson is in Engravers.
On or before 5th May 1788, the date he was baptised at the Church of St Mary Magadalene, Mitford [Map], James Thomson was born to James Thomson, the vicar of the church.
Between 1800 and 1825. James Thomson (age 11). Portrait of Hannah Althea Grey (age 15).
Hannah Althea Grey: In 1785 she was born to Charles Grey 1st Earl Grey and Elizabeth Grey Countess Grey. On 30th October 1809 Edward Ellice and she were married. She the daughter of Charles Grey 1st Earl Grey and Elizabeth Grey Countess Grey. In 1832 Hannah Althea Grey died.
On 26th December 1822 [his daughter] Anne Thomson was born to James Thomson (age 34) and [his future wife] Diana Lloyd. She married 1846 Frederick Goodall.
1825. James Thomson (age 36). Portrait of Elizabeth de St Michel [Elisabeth Pepys] after a 1666 painting (now destroyed) by John Hayls.
1826. James Thomson (age 37). Portrait of Anne Andrews Marchioness of Winchester (age 53).
Anne Andrews Marchioness of Winchester: In 1773 she was born to John Andrews of Shotley Hall. On 31st July 1800 Charles Burroughs-Paulet 13th Marquess Winchester and she were married. She by marriage Marchioness Winchester. He the son of George Paulett 12th Marquess Winchester and Martha Ingoldsby Marchioness Winchester. In 1841 she died.
In 1846 [his son-in-law] Frederick Goodall (age 23) and [his daughter] Anne Thomson (age 23) were married. She the daughter of James Thomson (age 57) and [his future wife] Diana Lloyd.
Before 27th September 1850 James Thomson (age 62) and Diana Lloyd were married.
On 27th September 1850 James Thomson (age 62) died at his home in Albany Street, Regent's Park.