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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Paternal Family Tree: Savile
In or before 1545 [his father] Henry Savile (age 32) and [his mother] Elizabeth Ramsden were married.
In 1545 John Savile was born to [his father] Henry Savile (age 33) and [his mother] Elizabeth Ramsden.
On 11th October 1566 [his father] Henry Savile (age 54) died.
In or before 1579 John Savile (age 33) and Jane Garth were married.
In 1579 [his son] Henry Savile 1st Baronet was born to John Savile (age 34) and [his wife] Jane Garth. He was educated at Merton College, Oxford University and in 1593 he entered the Middle Temple. He married before 23rd June 1632 Mary Dent.
In or before 1583 Richard Tempest (age 48) and [his future wife] Elizabeth Wentworth (age 22) were married. The difference in their ages was 26 years.
Before 13th October 1588 John Savile (age 43) and Elizabeth Wentworth (age 28) were married.
On 13th October 1588 [his son] John Savile was born to John Savile (age 43) and [his wife] Elizabeth Wentworth (age 28).
On 7th January 1593 [his wife] Elizabeth Wentworth (age 33) died.
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.
In 1594 John Savile (age 49) and Dorothy Wentworth were married.
In 1602 [his wife] Dorothy Wentworth died.
After 1602 John Savile (age 57) and Margery Peake were married.
After 1607. Monument to father, son and daughter-in-law in Church of St Oswald, Methley [Map] to (right) John Savile (age 62), (middle) [his son] Henry Savile 1st Baronet (age 28) and (right) [his future daughter-in-law] Mary Dent. Probably sculpted by Nicholas Stone (age 20). Chrisom Child. Ruff.
Mary Dent: she was born to John Dent of London. Before 23rd June 1632 Henry Savile 1st Baronet and she were married.
On 2nd February 1607 John Savile (age 62) died. He was buried at St Dunstan's in the West, Fleet Street [Map]. His heart was taken to the Church of St Oswald, Methley [Map].
[his daughter] Katherine Savile Lady Cholmley was born to John Savile and Dorothy Wentworth. She married 2nd April 1657 William Cholmley 2nd Baronet, son of Hugh Cholmley 1st Baronet and Elizabeth Twysden Lady Cholmley, and had issue.
Great x 4 Grandfather: Henry Savile of Thornhill 
Great x 3 Grandfather: Henry Savile of Copley
Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Thornhill
Great x 2 Grandfather: Thomas Savile
Great x 4 Grandfather: Thomas Copley
Great x 3 Grandmother: Eleanor Copley
Great x 1 Grandfather: Nicholas Savile
GrandFather: John Savile
Father: Henry Savile
GrandFather: Robert Ramsden
Mother: Elizabeth Ramsden