Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall

The Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall (Chronicon Anglicanum) is an indispensable medieval history that brings to life centuries of English and European affairs through the eyes of a learned Cistercian monk. Ralph of Coggeshall, abbot of the Abbey of Coggeshall in Essex in the early 13th century, continued and expanded his community’s chronicle, documenting events from the Norman Conquest of 1066 into the tumultuous reign of King Henry III. Blending eyewitness testimony, careful compilation, and the monastic commitment to record-keeping, this chronicle offers a rare narrative of political intrigue, royal power struggles, and social upheaval in England and beyond. Ralph’s work captures the reigns of pivotal figures such as Richard I and King John, providing invaluable insights into their characters, decisions, and the forces that shaped medieval rule. More than a simple annal, Chronicon Anglicanum conveys the texture of medieval life and governance, making it a rich source for scholars and readers fascinated by English history, monastic authorship, and the shaping of the medieval world.

Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.

Biography of John "Rex" Whistler 1905-1944

John "Rex" Whistler is in Painters.

On 24th June 1905 John "Rex" Whistler was born.

1925. John "Rex" Whistler (age 19). Trial Scene from 'The Merchant of Venice'.

1926. John "Rex" Whistler (age 20). "Medusa".

1927. John "Rex" Whistler (age 21). "The Expedition in Pursuit of Rare Meats". A mural, commissioned in 1926 and completed in 1927 by the gallery's inaugural director, Charles Aitken, at the Tate Gallery in London, for the re-opening of its restaurant, where it forms the entire interior surround of what was the eponymously named eatery.

1928. John "Rex" Whistler (age 22). "Ave Silvae Dornii" i.e. "Hail, Forest of Dorney". Mural at Dorneywood House, Buckinghamshire. inscribed with the initials CT [Courtauld Thomson], who commissioned the painting, signed and dated 1928. Illusionistic architectural framing device with Corinthian columns, inscribed at top "Ave Silvae Dornii" i.e. "Hail, Forest of Dorney".

1933. John "Rex" Whistler (age 27). Self-portrait.

1934. John "Rex" Whistler (age 28). Self-portrait.

1934. John "Rex" Whistler (age 28). Angela (age 17) and Penelope (age 19) Dudley Ward. Whistler is the fountain satyr

Claire Angela Dudley Ward: On 25th May 1916 she was born to William Dudley Ward and Winifred "Freda" May Birkin. On 1st December 1999 Claire Angela Dudley Ward died.

Penelope Dudley Ward: On 4th August 1914 she was born to William Dudley Ward and Winifred "Freda" May Birkin. On 22nd January 1982 Penelope Dudley Ward died.

1935. John "Rex" Whistler (age 29). Portrait of Alexandra Caroline Paget (age 21).

1936. John "Rex" Whistler (age 30). "Capriccio". A large wall mural in the dining room of Plas Newydd House, Anglesey.

Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall

The Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall (Chronicon Anglicanum) is an indispensable medieval history that brings to life centuries of English and European affairs through the eyes of a learned Cistercian monk. Ralph of Coggeshall, abbot of the Abbey of Coggeshall in Essex in the early 13th century, continued and expanded his community’s chronicle, documenting events from the Norman Conquest of 1066 into the tumultuous reign of King Henry III. Blending eyewitness testimony, careful compilation, and the monastic commitment to record-keeping, this chronicle offers a rare narrative of political intrigue, royal power struggles, and social upheaval in England and beyond. Ralph’s work captures the reigns of pivotal figures such as Richard I and King John, providing invaluable insights into their characters, decisions, and the forces that shaped medieval rule. More than a simple annal, Chronicon Anglicanum conveys the texture of medieval life and governance, making it a rich source for scholars and readers fascinated by English history, monastic authorship, and the shaping of the medieval world.

Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.

Around 1938. John "Rex" Whistler (age 32). Portrait of Alexandra Caroline Paget (age 24).

1940. John "Rex" Whistler (age 34). Self-portrait.

1940 or 1941. John "Rex" Whistler (age 34). "The Master Cook". Portrait of Sergeant Isaacs of the Welsh Guards.

1940. John "Rex" Whistler (age 34). Portrait of Cecil Beaton (age 35).

1940. John "Rex" Whistler (age 34). Portrait of Lieutenant Richard Whiskard.

On 18th July 1944 John "Rex" Whistler (age 39) was killed in action after he left his tank to go to the aid of other men in his unit. His body now lies in Section III, Row F, Grave 22 of Banneville-la-Campagne War Cemetery.