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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After 22nd September 1773. Church of St Edmund, Holme Pierrepoint [Map]. Monument to Evelyn Pierrepont 2nd Duke Kingston upon Hull [deceased]. Probably sculpted by John Flaxman [aged 18].
1779. John Flaxman [aged 23]. Self-portrait.
In 1782 John Flaxman [aged 26] and Anne Denman [aged 22] were married. They lived at Wardour Street Soho [Map].
In 1787 John Flaxman [aged 31] and [his wife] Anne Denman [aged 27] moved to Rome, Italy [Map] where they lived until 1794 when they re-settled at 7 Buckingham Street Fitzroy Square.
In March 1791 Henry Howard [aged 22] travelled to Rome, Italy [Map] where he met and studied scuplture with John Flaxman [aged 35].
On 17th July 1793 Richard Aldworth aka Neville aka Griffin [aged 75] died at Billinghbear House. He is buried nearby at Ruscombe with a monument sculpted by John Flaxman [aged 38].
After 1796 . Memorial at Bradford Cathedral [Map] to Abraham Balme main promoter of the Bradford Canal, sculpted by John Flaxman [aged 40].
Around 1797. Henry Howard [aged 27]. Portrait of John Flaxman [aged 41].
Between 1798 and 1802 Joseph Gott [aged 12] was apprenticed to John Flaxman [aged 42].
Before 1799 Joseph Theakston [aged 26] was a pupil of John "The Elder" Bacon [aged 58]. He also studied under John Flaxman [aged 43].
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 16th August 1800 Admiral Samuel Barrington [aged 69] died. He has a monument sculpted by John Flaxman [aged 45] at St Andrew's Church, Shrivenham.
In 1803 [his father] John Flaxman [aged 77] died.
After 1804. All Saints Church, Thirkleby, North Yorkshire [Map]. Memorial to four of the children of Thomas Frankland 6th Baronet [aged 53] and Dorothy Smelt Lady Thirkleby [aged 54] who died young. Sculpted by John Flaxman [aged 48].
On 13th January 1808 Margaret Cunynghame [aged 62] died. She was buried at the Church of St Leonard, Wortley [Map]. Memorial sculpted by John Flaxman [aged 52].
Margaret Cunynghame: On 13th December 1745 she was born to David Cunynghame 3rd Baronet. On 8th June 1767 James Archibald Stuart-Wortley-Mackenzie and she were married. He the son of John Stuart 3rd Earl Bute and Mary Wortley-Montagu Countess Bute.
On 28th July 1809 Captain Richard Beckett [aged 27] was killed in action at the Battle of Talavera. He has a monument by John Flaxman [aged 54] at the Minster and Parish Church of Saint Peter-at-Leeds [Map].
In 1810 [his sister] Mary Ann Flaxman [aged 42] moved into the home of her brother John Flaxman [aged 54] at 7 Buckingham Street Fitzroy Square.
On 10th January 1811 William Saltren [aged 29] died while ice skating on a lake at Thoresby. Church of St Edmund, Holme Pierrepoint [Map]. Sculpted by John Flaxman [aged 55].
Inscription: "Sacred to the memory of the Reverend William Saltren Rector of Cotgrave, in the county of Nottingham, he was a pious christian, an affectionate son, a sincere friend and a benevolent man: died January 10th 1811, aged 29 years. this monument is erected by his mother Elizabeth Saltren, in testimony of his virtues, and her grateful and affectionate remembrance.
William Saltren: Around 1782 he was born.
On 16th April 1813 Matthew White Ridley 2nd Baronet [aged 67] died. His son Matthew [aged 34] succeeded 3rd Baronet Ridley of Blagdon in Northumberland.
Monument at the Cathedral Church St Nicholas, Newcastle upon Tyne [Map] sculpted by John Flaxman [aged 57].
Matthew White Ridley 2nd Baronet: On 28th October 1745 he was born to Matthew Ridley and Elizabeth White. In 1763 Matthew White 1st Baronet died. His nephew Matthew succeeded 2nd Baronet Ridley of Blagdon in Northumberland.
Matthew White Ridley 3rd Baronet: On 18th April 1778 he was born to Matthew White Ridley 2nd Baronet. In 1813 Matthew White Ridley 3rd Baronet was elected MP Newcastle upon Tyne. On 14th July 1836 Matthew White Ridley 3rd Baronet died. His son Matthew succeeded 4th Baronet Ridley of Blagdon in Northumberland.
On 4th September 1815 Harriet Susan Dashwood [aged 32] died. Memorial in Christchurch Priory [Map] sculpted by John Flaxman [aged 60].
Harriet Susan Dashwood: In 1783 she was born to Francis Bateman Dashwood. On 17th June 1806 James Edward Harris 2nd Earl Malmesbury and she were married. He the son of James Harris 1st Earl Malmesbury and Harriet Maria Amyand Countess Malmesbury.
On 6th February 1817 Sophia Hinde Lady Hesketh [aged 39] died. She was buried at St Mary The Virgin Church, Rufford [Map]. Monument by John Flaxman [aged 61].
Sophia Hinde Lady Hesketh: In 1778 she was born. On 1st February 1798 Thomas Dalrymple Hesketh 3rd Baronet and she were married. She by marriage Lady Hesketh of Rufford in Lancashire.
On 7th February 1820 [his wife] Anne Denman [aged 60] died. Her sister [his sister-in-law] Maria Denman [aged 44] continued to live with Anne's husband John Flaxman [aged 64] as did John Flaxman's sister Mary Ann Flaxman [aged 52].
On 30th December 1820 Agneta Johnson [aged 80] died. Buried at St Andrew's Church, Wimpole [Map].
Inscription tablet flanked by pilasters with figures of her husband in robes of state and of two sons, and with medallion portrait at the head, all in white marble, signed 'J. FLAXMAN [aged 65], R.A. Sculptor'
Agneta Johnson: On 11th November 1740 she was born to Henry Johnson of Berkhamstead in Hertfordshire. On 30th December 1762 Charles Yorke and she were married. He the son of Philip Yorke 1st Earl of Hardwicke and Margaret Cocks Countess Hardwicke.
Before 1826 . John Jackson [aged 47]. Portrait of John Flaxman [aged 70].
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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Before 7th December 1826. Henry Howard [aged 57]. Portrait of John Flaxman [aged 71].
On 7th December 1826 John Flaxman [aged 71] died. His sister-in-law [his former wife] Anne Denman and half-sister Mary Ann Flaxman [aged 58] were co-executors of his estate.
In 1827 Richard Westmacott [aged 51] was appointed Royal Academy professor of sculpture succeeding John Flaxman.
Cansick's Monumental Inscriptions Volume 2 St Giles' Cemetery, Kings Road. Here rest the mortal remains of Ann Flaxman, The virtuous and beloved wife of John Flaxman, R.A.P.S., Whose soul returned to the Almighty Creator and Blessed Redeemer On the 7th of February, In the year of Our Lord, 1820, And the 60th year of her age. Under the same stone Is interred her husband, John Flaxman, R.A.P.S.1, Whose mortal life Was a constant preparation For a blessed immortality. His angelic spirit returned to the Divine Giver On the 7th of December, 1826, In the 72nd year of his age.
Also in the same vault Are deposited the mortal remains of Mary Ann Flaxman [deceased], Sister of the above John Flaxman, Whose gentle spirit returned to the Divine Giver On the 17th of April, 1833, in the 65th year of her age.
Note 1. Mr. John Flaxman, was born at York, 1755. From boyhood lie displayed a remarkable genius for modelling in clay.
In 1787 he visited Rome, where, during a residence of seven years, he executed his celebrated designs in outline from Homer, Æschylus and Danté.
These were engraved and published, as were some which he made from Hesiod.
Whilst at Rome he also executed the splendid group from Ovid's Metamorphoses entitled "The Fury of Athamas;" consisting of four figures larger than life. For this work he received only £6oo; an amount very much below the cost. It was executed for the Earl of Bristol. In 1794 he returned to England and executed the monument for Lord Mansfield, now in Westminster Abbey. For this he received £2,500. After this he produced a large number of fine works, and was considered the greatest of modem sculptors. His collections of drawings and models he bequeathed to the University of London, to form a Flaxman Gallery.
St Mary's Church, Old Basing [Map]. There are several large and small wall monuments (one by John Flaxman 1784), hatchments (one with the Royal Coat of Arms of 1660).
St Mary's Church, Kirkby, Fleetham [Map]. Monuments:
Cross-legged effigy of Sir Nicholas Stapleton, died 1290, in good condition, lion at feet, sword, shield and chainmail helmet. Now resting in C19 pointed-arched niche on blind quatrefoiled chest.
William Lawrence, died 1785, by Flaxman. A bust of a young man on a round pillar, with mourning woman to one side, his wife Anne Sophie, heiress to the Studley Royal estate. This is set against a grey marble slab with a pointed-arched top..
Church of St Peter Kirkthorpe [Map]. The chief merit of the church is a fine collection of C18 wall monuments. The most important of these is the Stringer Monument by Guelfi: 2 detached busts on a sarcophagus with straight tapering sides; background by Kent with inscription, a frame starting from 2 big volutes and crowned by an open-segmental pediment carved coat-or-arms with putti. The Smyth chapel has numerous monuments dating from 1731; including that to John Smyth of 2 putti uncovering his portrait on an oval medallion, that to Lady Georgina Smyth and others signed by Flaxman; 1799.
St Michael and Our Lady's Church, Wragby [Map]. Wall monument to Sir Rowland Winn 4th baronet by John Flaxman, 1806.
St Giles' Church, Badger [Map]:
Memorial to Isaac Hawkins Browne and his second wife, Elizabeth, by Francis Leggatt Chantrey.
Memorial to Browne's mother and first wife by John Flaxman.
Memorial to Elizabeth Kynnersley, who died in 1649.
St Michael and All Angels Church, Ledbury [Map]. Monument to William Miles (d.1803) by John Flaxman. A small unnamed boy apparently asleep lies under the watchful care of two angels at Ledbury. Sculptors Thomas and Mary Thorneycroft.
